Betty Rench, 71

Betty Lou Rench, age 71, of Leonidas, died Friday Dec. 31, 2010 at her home following a one-year illness. Betty was welcomed into the Ernsberger family on Nov. 17, 1939 by her parents, Alva “Jack” and Irene (Cutshall) Ernsberger. She attended school in Battle Creek before the family moved to a farm near Fulton, then attended Vicksburg schools. Betty worked in the nursing profession most of her life, and retired from the Vicksburg Hospital after working there for 20 years. Betty was married to David Rench in 1977. Betty enjoyed attending several area dances and shows with David where he played the fiddle. They spent many winters in southern Texas and have met many good native Texans and winter residents. She enjoyed playing bingo, crossword puzzles, and needle-point.

Betty is survived by her husband, David; daughter, Janet Edmondson of Leonidas; step-daughters, Deborah Keefe and Elizabeth Crabtree both of Battle Creek and Theresa Hawkins of Colon; step-son, Davey Rench of Leonidas; sisters, Shirley Titus and Martha Goodwin both of Battle Creek and Mary Foreman of South Carolina; 5 grandchildren; 6 step-grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Pamela (Barrus) Everett; a son, Ronald Lane; 2 grandsons, Monte Wolfe and Jackie Edmondson, Jr.; great-grandson, Eric Wolfe; 2 brothers, Raymond and Donald; half-sisters, Irene, Marie, and Vivian; and half-brother, James.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 4, 2011 at the funeral home with Rev. David Stevens, Pastor of the Leonidas Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Leonidas Cemetery. Memorials will be directed to the family. An online register is available and condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com