Elizabeth Elva Unruh

Elizabeth, lovingly known as Betty, grew up in Philadelphia alongside her brother, John Unruh. She devoted her life to education, building a distinguished career that touched countless lives, from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Betty earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Temple University, a Master's in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Master's of Education from the University of Hawaii. Her passion for learning led her to pursue additional graduate studies and seminars at esteemed institutions such as the University of Hawaii and the University of Pennsylvania.

Her teaching career began at Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu, where she embraced Hawaiian culture and inspired young minds through music, dance, and education. She later spent two decades shaping the lives of 5th-grade students in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Beyond the classroom, Elizabeth contributed to curriculum development and created innovative educational materials, showcasing her dedication to education.

As a passionate traveler, Elizabeth explored Europe and Asia, gaining a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and histories. She was active in her community, serving as President of Kokua'ana'anui - Hawaii Big Sisters, directing the Children's Choir at the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu, and participating in the Honolulu Symphony Society.

Betty's life was filled with many passions, including playing piano for all to hear, doing crossword puzzles, writing, card playing with the Gin Rummy Ladies, creating art, and sewing. She found joy in making walker bags for physical therapy patients and designing personalized greeting cards for friends and family using computer software. As a lifelong learner, she loved reading and sharing her creativity with others. After retiring to Simpson Meadows in Downingtown, PA, she continued to embrace her hobbies and community. Elizabeth was also a dedicated Christian and served as a Deacon of the Grace Covenant Church in Exton, embodying her faith through kindness and service to those around her.

Betty is lovingly remembered by her brother, John Unruh, her sister-in-law, Patricia Unruh, and her nieces, Pattyann Hamre, Alison Nastasee, and Monica Waddell (Mark Waddell). She is also survived by her great-nieces, Kaitlyn McDevitt, Anna Politarhos (Alex Politarhos), and Leah Nastasee (Carlos Ortega), her great-great-niece, Nevaeh Ortega, and her great-great-nephew, Archer Politarhos. Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, John F. Unruh, Sr., and Elva Unruh. Her enduring legacy shines through her family and the countless lives she touched with her boundless generosity, unwavering passion, and profound wisdom.

A memorial service celebrating Elizabeth's extraordinary life will take place on April 12th, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the community room at Simpson Meadows, 101 Plaza Drive, Downingtown, PA.

Guests are invited to enter through the main entrance of the building and proceed to the right to join the gathering.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Chester County Cancer Association. Contributions can be made online at https://chescocf.org/fund/american-cancer-society/