Elizabeth A. Phelps, 85
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. - Elizabeth A. "Betty" Phelps, 85, of 975 Williamstown Road died Sunday, June 2, 2013, at her home.
Born in North Adams on Sept. 17, 1927, a daughter of Roy and Florence Morehouse Baker, she graduated from the former Williamstown High School in 1945. She also graduated from the former Bliss Business College and, in 1982, from Berkshire Community College.
Mrs. Phelps was employed for 11 years in the Williams College alumni office. She also worked at the Lanesborough post office, Arbor Acres Egg Farm and was last employed at the William College library. She also was a proprietor of Echo Farm.
She was a life member of First Methodist Church of Williamstown, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. Active in town affairs, she was on the Board of Registrars for 46 years and was a member of the Republican Town Committee. She also was a member of the Berkshire County Farm Bureau, serving as chairman from 1964-2008, and of the Women's Committee of the State Farm Bureau. She was the founder of the New Ashford Extension Group and a member of the State 4-H Committee.
Mrs. Phelps also was a member of the Williamstown High School Fabulous '40s Committee and was active in both the Lanesborough PTA and its scholarship committee for 28 years. She volunteered for 11 years in prison ministries at the former Monroe State Prison Camp.
She and her husband, Harley P. Phelps Jr., were married Nov. 27, 1948.
Besides her husband of 64 years, she leaves four sons, Paul Phelps and his wife, Diane, Mark Phelps and his wife, Susan, Jeffrey Phelps and his wife, Sharon, and Harley "Hap" Phelps III and his wife Bette; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her daughter, Jo-Ann Phelps, on June 30, 1994, and her sister, Margaret "Peggy" Kottleman.
FUNERAL NOTICE - Funeral services for Mrs. Phelps will take place Thursday, June 6, at 11 from Second Congregational Church of South Williamstown. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery in Williamstown.
Calling hours will be Wednesday, June 5, from 4 to 7 at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagnas Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Memorial donations are suggested for Gifts of Heart, Second Congregational Church Music Program or the charity of the donor's choice through the funeral home.