Elizabeth Ann Trotter

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Trotter (Post) passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 2nd in Powell, OH. She was 88. Betty is survived by daughters Cathryn Story (Douglas) and Carol Stewart; grandchildren Matthew Story (Beth), Daniel Story, Aislinn Gerlach (Manoel) and William Stewart; and great-grandchildren Hannah Story, and Caleb and Tyler Gerlach. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William “Bill” Trotter, brother John Arthur Post, sister Susan Eileen Jones, and son Christopher Trotter. Betty was born January 5, 1936, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Arthur and Eileen Post. As a young girl, Betty spent many memory-filled summers on the farm with her cousins in rural Nebraska. Betty attended North High School in Omaha and met her lifelong partner, Bill, during that time. Betty and Bill were married in Omaha on June 15, 1957. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Education and enjoyed teaching for a short time at the elementary grade level. As a mother of 3, Betty was fully engaged in most of her children’s varied activities ranging from theater to music to sports. She was also very active with Sunday school through the United Methodist Church, and with P.E.O., a women’s philanthropic organization that supports women’s continuing education opportunities. In addition, Betty volunteered at ChildServ (now “Kids Above All”) for many years. She, along with her husband Bill, were strong supporters of the organization’s century old mission to provide housing, counseling, and education to children in the Chicagoland area. One of Betty’s notable community contributions included her participation on the Lake Zurich, IL school board as both a member and as President. As a couple, some of Betty’s favorite activities with husband Bill included participating in league bowling, playing golf & bridge, attending Chicago Blackhawk hockey games, and traveling to new destinations across the county as well as internationally. At home, Betty liked to spend time reading, sewing, completing cross stitch projects, and tending to her colorful rose gardens. Also, Betty had a special love and gift of reaching out to family and friends through her inspiring notes and letters. Her sincere and timely words of encouragement, concern, and humorous storytelling brought smiles, tears, hope, and laughter to many over the years. Her grandchildren will especially remember her entertaining bedtime story readings. A private memorial service will be held for Betty on a date to be determined at Barrington United Methodist Church, Barrington, IL. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org. The family would especially like to thank the staff of First Community Village and Ganzhorn Suites for the care, compassion, and attention given to Betty during her final years. Condolences may be made to the family at www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com

Elizabeth Ann Trotter

January 5, 1936 - March 2, 2024