Betty M. Fillbach's Obituary
Betty Marie Fillbach was born January 20, 1936 in Springfield, Illinois, to Lucille Morgan and Clifford Eskew. She graduated nursing school from Rockford College (Rockford, Illinois) in 1956. Betty returned to college in 1988, earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Leo’s College (St Leo, Florida). She retired from nursing in 1996 after 40 years of service.
Betty and Clayton Dean Fillbach celebrated 60 years of marriage on June 9, 2016. They have lived in Yalaha, Florida for the past 22 years, but previously resided in Clearwater, FL, and Milwaukee, WI.
Betty was an accomplished surgical nurse and the Director of the operating room. In everything she did, Betty was admired for her work ethic, conscientiousness, and dedication. In short, Betty got things done - more than most, and she was very smart! Betty enjoyed volunteering at Adventure Thrift Center for the past 10 years, working twice a week. She really enjoyed the group of volunteers there, and of course, she brought her industriousness and sense of organization to her volunteer work at the Center. She also volunteered with the American Cancer Society and served on various committees in their Waterwood Community.
Betty is known for her beautiful gardens, which she tended lovingly. Her garden earned the Howey-in-the-Hills Garden Award three times. She also loved to decorate her home and was very crafty throughout her life from shell design work to macramé to cross stitch and more. She was always a sporty girl, from being an award-winning jump-roper as a child to playing volleyball as an adult, and most recently, always riding her bike. She really enjoyed traveling and visited many countries in Europe and Asia in her lifetime with her husband, Clayton.
Betty Fillbach was the best wife, mom, grandma and friend anyone could ever hope for. She was dedicated to her family and friends and showed her love through cooking and baking, making every holiday special, picking out special gifts for all occasions, and giving of her time. Her Christian faith was evident in her actions, and she raised her children to know God. We celebrate Betty’s heavenly birthday as we know she is with Jesus and look forward to being united with her one day. We hope she is enjoying the beach and bike riding in paradise! We know she will approach her new role as “guardian angel,” especially to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, with the same loving care and excellence as she did everything.
Betty is survived by her husband of 60 years, Clayton Dean Fillbach; her daughters, Kelly Hoffman (Trinity, FL) and Kriss Hayward and son-in-law Errol Hayward (Santa Clara, CA); three granddaughters: Hope Hoffman and husband, Travis Allman (Dunedin, FL), Flynn Hayward (Los Angeles, CA), Jett Hayward (Palo Alto, CA); and two great grandsons: Lucas and Logan Allman (Dunedin, FL), brothers Danny Ritchey and wife Sharon Ritchey (Wisconsin), and Wilford Eskew (Indiana).
Betty wrote this to you all:
I feel blessed to have so many friends in Waterwood and Adventure Christian Church. Many thanks for your cards, flowers, phone calls, and visits. GOD IS GOOD. Thanks also for my two lovely daughters who have been so supportive, and Clay who waited on me and pushed me to gain strength. He is my soulmate, best friend, and lover. God bless all of you. - Betty
Celebration of Life Service for Betty Marie Fillbach
Adventure Christian Church (3701 N Eichelberger Rd, Tavares, FL 32778)
Friday, September 9, at 11:00 a.m.
A light lunch immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Adventure Christian Church (Tavares) or Cornerstone Hospice (Tavares).
Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall.
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