Elviera L. Bethge

Long-time Liberty resident, Elviera L. Bethge, 88, died Saturday, April 16, 2016 after battling two hip surgeries, bronchitis and pneumonia. Elviera, the daughter of William and Martha Sattler Ross was born May 14, 1927 in Richmond, Indiana and was a 1945 graduate of Richmond High School. Elviera married Charles E. Bethge on March 3, 1978 in Muncie, Indiana. Elviera was the secretary at Abernathy Realty and Auction for eight years, retiring in 1996. For the last five years, Elviera resided in Colorado to be close to her family. Elviera flourished around her family, especially in the presence of her great-granddaughter Piper, who became the light of her life. Elviera had a passion for dancing, particularly to 1940s music. Elviera will be remembered for her many traits including her love of dogs, ice cream and eating out. Elviera is survived by her son: Gene Newell and his wife, Cathy of Brighton, Colorado; her grandson: Bryan Newell and his wife, Naomi both of Reno, Nevada; her granddaughter: Jeneen Newell and her greatest joy, Piper, her great granddaughter, both of Longmont, Colorado. In addition to her parents, Elviera is preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and her sister: Norma Ross, formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio. Graveside services will be conducted Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 2 p.m. at West Point Cemetery followed by interment. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (1-800-628-0028), to help support Elviera’s love of animals. Arrangements are being handled by Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Fosdick Chapel, Liberty, Indiana.