Elizabeth "Betsy" C. Kellerman's Obituary
On September 24, 1956 Les and Gloria Curtis (nee Calhoun) gave birth to Elizabeth Curtis in St. Louis. Known by Betsy to most and Boo Boo to some, she grew up in Kirkwood where she made lifelong friends. Her childhood was filled with family outings, camping trips, and horseback riding. She and her siblings remained close her whole life and she loved them and their children dearly.
An independent spirit. Betsy didn’t want to be the center of attention, she didn’t need to tell you who she was, yet she was uniquely Boo Boo. She enjoyed her private time. She was a better care giver than receiver. She believed in equality, peace, and the freedom to be who you are. She supported social and environmental justice movements. She loved to travel and try new things. She had an amazing smile and laugh and she could poke fun at herself too.
A devoted mother. In 1977 she married Mark Kellerman and they had two children: John and Katherine. She provided a stable home and encouraged their interests. She put their needs first and showed up for them daily. She happily accepted the help of their grandparents, aunts, and uncles to improve their lives and create strong connections. Her children embody her spirit and character as independent, caring, loving, adventurous, confident people.
An intuitive healthy eater. She preferred fruit, small portions, and crunchy vegetables to ice cream, buffets, and junk food. Of course she loved chocolate, coffee, pastries, bread, and cheese; although only from particular recipes and purveyors. Les was an excellent marksman and loved to hunt, despite, or maybe because of this, Betsy went and remained vegetarian. She enjoyed cooking, especially soups, stir frys, and roasted vegetables. She was known for her homemade granola and herbal salts which she loved to share with family and friends.
An avid reader. She devoured the daily paper & the Sunday New York Times, magazine articles, and multiple books per month. She shared this passion with her book club friends, her siblings, children, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, granddaughter, and various heat seeking cats.
A champion of the humanities. Raising her kids, and recently divorced, Betsy enrolled at UMSL and graduated with a degree in history followed by graduate studies at Washington University. She decided teaching wasn’t to her liking and took a job in the American Cultural Studies office at Wash U. Betsy loved the arts and could be found multiple times per week at concerts, films, art openings, exhibits, and lectures taking place at a university, grand hall, museums or an underground, DIY, pop up space. For the last 27 years she worked at The Whitaker Foundation, whose mission of supporting arts and parks in St. Louis greatly aligned with her own passions.
A perfect partner. Through her brother Rich she met bobEE Sweet and they began dating in 1997. In 1998 she bought a home in the city where they lived together near the eastern edge of Tower Grove Park. She went on daily walks with huskies and friends in the park and surrounding neighborhoods. She loved farmers markets, especially Tower Grove, and often (got) volunteered to help at Black Bear Bakery’s stand.
An adoring grandmother. In 2006 Katherine gave birth to Julia and Betsy’s favorite adventure was born. She loved being a grandma and excelled at it. She loved to get books, art supplies and clothes for Julia. Betsy, Julia and bobEE enjoyed visits to museums, events, and restaurants around town as well as on trips around the country.
A graceful goodbye. Diagnosed in November with pancreatic cancer, she handled the symptoms and side effects with acceptance and honesty. She didn’t pity herself and was able to accept help with dignity. After 27 years together, Betsy and bobEE married in April surrounded by friends and family. Rich officiated the wedding. Betsy died peacefully on June 21.
Betsy is survived by her husband: Robert (bobEE) Sweet; children: John Kellerman (Kerry Bryan), Katherine Murdock (Chris); grandchildren: Julia Whitaker, Elisabeth Murdock, & William Murdock; siblings: Laura Curtis, Richard Curtis (Hayes Harrison), Bob Curtis (Sara), Patti Hawes (Fred), Roylene Galbraith (Greg), Judi Green, John Wells; niblings: Billy U’ren, Trace U’ren (Macy), Josh Curtis (Vicki), Bretlyn Schoonover (Tyler), Charlie Curtis (Aimee), Joe Curtis, Tyrone Betts, Lily Randall, Lucy Yakirevitch (Alina), Clark Randall; grandniblings: Isabella, Jackson & John Curtis, Henny & Cal Schoonover, Agnes Yakirevitch; inlaws and extended family: John Sweet, Nanora Sweet, Jennifer Sweet, Steve Bandera, Allen Whitaker, Holli Whitaker, Mark Kellerman (Margaret), Kayla, Patrick, Charlie, & Betty Schmitz; her husky Stevie, calico Zero & semi-feral kitty Roger; and hundreds of friends.
Family and friends can sign the family's online guestbook at www.HughesFA.com
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