Columbus
Mrs. Fern Lavonne Betz Zimmerman, 83, of Columbus, Indiana, formerly of Madison, was born on January 24, 1933, in Columbus, to Fred and Nancy Irene Morrison Betz.
She graduated from Ball State Teachers College in 1955 with a degree in education. She also received a master’s degree from Ball State University. She married her husband, Bert Zimmerman, on December 26, 1955, whom she met at Ball State in 1955. She enjoyed several years as an Air Force officer’s wife and, during that time, had her two sons. She began her teaching career in 1960 and taught at several high schools. She taught at Madison Consolidated High School in Madison, Indiana. until she retired in 1996. Over her long career she taught English, Spanish and history, mentored many students in academic competitions and was a positive influence in the lives of many of her students and associates. After retiring, she and Bert traveled between their homes in Madison, Indiana, Pentwater, Michigan, and Venice, Florida, where she was active in their two churches with volunteer work and Bible studies. She became a grandmother during this time and still found time to compete in 5K walks, several of which she won! She also started quilting with her daughter-in-law.
Lavonne died at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2016, at her home in Columbus, Indiana.
Lavonne will be missed by her loving husband of 60 years, Bert H. Zimmerman of Columbus, Indiana; her sons, Greg Zimmerman of Columbus, Geoffrey Zimmerman and his wife Sarah of Montana; her grandchildren, Benjamin David Zimmerman and Nashua Kenton Zimmerman; her sisters, Marge Betz of Columbus, Emma Betz Sublett of Columbus; her brother, Alfred Betz and his wife Barbara of Columbus; her brother in law, David Horn of Columbus; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Nancy Irene Morrison Betz; and her sister, Norma Betz Horn.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2016, by Dr. Craig Nelson at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1415 North Gate Road in Madison, Indiana. Friends may call from5 to 8 p.m. Monday and from noon until service time Tuesday at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, 325 Demaree Drive in Madison, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cleveland Clinic, Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart & Vascular Institute, 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44195. Cards are available at the funeral home.
Online condolences: www.morgan-nay.com.
