Madelyn Celeste (Ballard) Betts

BETTS, Madelyn Celeste (Ballard), 102, Dover-Foxcroft, September 28, 2014. At her request, there will be no service. Private burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of the Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft.

Madelyn Celeste (Ballard) Betts

    DOVER-FOXCROFT – Madelyn Celeste (Ballard) Betts died September 28, 2014, at Hibbard Nursing Home in Dover-Foxcroft. She had resided at Main Street West since December 2003. Madelyn was born in Garland, June 29, 1912, the only child of George W. and Grace (McComb) Ballard.
    She was a National Honor Society 1930 graduate of Foxcroft Academy and attended Maine School of Commerce (now Husson College). She was secretary at the Dover-Foxcroft School Department superintendent’s office and Foxcroft Academy for 17 years. She was one of the early organizers of the Maine School Secretaries’ Association and served as secretary and president. She also worked at Lary Funeral Home, Piscataquis Observer Publishing Co., and for 20 years was secretary to Robert G. Hall, antique dealer and auctioneer.
    Madelyn was a member of the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church, serving as organist for 27 years, also as Church Clerk for many years. She was a life member and organist 36 years for Miriam Chapter No. 40 Order of the Eastern Star and was appointed twice as Grand Organist for the Grand Chapter of Maine. She was generous with her musical talent, willing to assist O.E.S. chapters wherever needed throughout the area. She was a life member of Wenonah Rebekah Lodge, No. 11, serving many years as its secretary.
    She was a charter member of the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society, serving as secretary; a life member of the Maine Genealogical Society; and member and secretary of the Thompson Free Library Association for 37 years. She was a member and past president of the Cosmopolitan Club and member of the Percolator Club. Madelyn was awarded the Boston Post Cane as the oldest resident of Dover-Foxcroft in June, 2014.
    Madelyn had a keen interest in local Maine history, genealogy, antiques and enjoyed crafts, especially needlepoint.
    She was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Earl H. Betts in 1988. She is survived by one daughter and her husband, Celeste and David W. Hyer of Otisfield, ME.
    Memorial gifts may be made to the Thompson Free Library, 186 E Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft 04426, or to the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society, 28 Orchard Road, Dover-Foxcroft 04426, or the Dover-Foxcroft Congregational Church, Organ Fund, PO Box 328, Dover-Foxcroft 04426.
    At Madelyn’s request, there will be no service. Private burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.