Betty McElroy

Betty Jo (Glick) McElroy (63), beloved mother, died peacefully in her Camarillo home, with her children at her bedside, Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 2:45am after 4 months of progressive biliary tract cancer. Betty was born March 5, 1948 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and moved to California in 2000. She is survived by her five children, Christy Barker of Kenosha, WI, Charissa McElroy of San Diego, CA, John McElroy of Saugus, CA, Joseph McElroy of Camarillo, CA, Stephen McElroy of Camarillo, CA, and her ex-husband Gary McElroy of Oxnard, CA. She is also survived by her mother, Nadine (Stock) Glick of Summerville, SC, her brother, Bob Glick of Due West, SC, and her sisters Barbara Keeport of Mohnton, PA and Brenda Busch of Summerville, SC. She is also survived by five grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father, Max Glick. A 10-year resident of Ventura County, Betty was a classical piano teacher whose students were frequently recipients of many awards. Betty was devoted to Jesus Christ, her music, her students, and her family. Her infectious high spirits and carefree attitude towards life inspired many, including all her children, to also live their lives in dependence upon Christ. Betty was also an excellent performer herself and many in Ventura County would come to hear her classical piano concerts as well as the recitals of her students. She was so committed to her students that she persevered in their instruction until the week prior to her death! Betty graduated with honors from Westchester University in Pennsylvania, majoring in Education and minoring in Music, getting her work ethic from her hardworking Pennsylvania Dutch parents, Max and Nadine Glick. She leaves this same legacy to her children who are also remarkably dedicated to their various occupations including music. Betty's person and life was marked by selflessness and the joy of the Lord. She exhibited this when she chose to give up an incredibly promising career as a classical concert pianist in order to educate all five of her children at home so they would receive a Christ-centered education. This choice was put to the test when, after a move from Texas to Pennsylvania, the children were forced to attend public school by the school authorities. This prompted Betty, Gary and the children to tirelessly lobby their senators and representatives in Harrisburg until a law was passed making home school more accessible and legal in 1988. Betty's greatest desire is that her beloved Jesus Christ would be known by all her students and children and that they would enjoy the freedom from the world, the flesh, and the devil that can only be found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. A celebration of her life will take place at her home church of ten years, Faith Community Church at 723 South D Street, Oxnard, CA 93030. The celebration will begin Tuesday, March 15 at 6pm with a reception immediately to follow in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, Betty would love for you to consider a small donation to her church, Faith Community Church.