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Elizabeth M. Osbeck

1923 - 2020

Elizabeth M. Osbeck obituary, 1923-2020, Rockford, MI

BORN

1923

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

Pederson Funeral Home - Rockford

127 N. Monroe Street NE

Rockford, Michigan

Elizabeth Osbeck Obituary

Osbeck, Elizabeth M. Rockford Elizabeth Mary (Betty) Osbeck, 97, of Rockford, passed away Monday, October 12, 2020. She was born September 14, 1923, the daughter of Rev. Ralph and Mary Didier. Born in Flint, Michigan, Betty was class valedictorian in high school and earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Michigan. She and Kenneth Osbeck, also a Michigan graduate, were blessed with 66 years of marriage and four children. As a professor of speech and drama at Cornerstone University (then Grand Rapids Baptist College) for 17 years, Betty created a highly successful drama program, directing more than 37 plays. Upon retirement, she and Ken traveled widely, performing dramatic programs on the history of hymn stories that they had written themselves. She was a member of Calvary Church for many years. Betty enjoyed travel, theater, reading, and spirited conversation. Along with her strong Christian faith, the most important thing in her life was family. Betty was a dynamic, intelligent, caring, remarkable woman with a keen sense of humor. She was an inspiration to many and will be deeply missed. Elizabeth Osbeck is survived by: her children, Kathleen (Joseph) Sindorf, Gregory (Priscilla) Osbeck, Mark Osbeck, and Lisa (Joe) Osbeck-Piffaretti; grandchildren, Victoria (Aki Laruson) Sindorf, Alexandra Sindorf, and Cecile Piffaretti; great-grandchild, Signy Akadottir; brother, Rev. Dr. Calvin (Arlene) Didier; sister, Leone Koepke; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her husband, Kenneth; her parents; three brothers; and a sister. A small, private memorial service will be held for the family, and donations in her memory can be made to the Mel Trotter Mission or Samaritan's Purse.

Published by Grand Rapids Press from Oct. 13 to Oct. 15, 2020.
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Betty and Ken authored several books related to the rich history of hymns. Those books have helped me and others to cherish the theology and stories behind the great hymns of the faith. She and Ken were a warm a gracious presence at Calvary Church for years. My wife, Julie Ackerman Link, had her as a professor while she was a student at Grand Rapids Baptist College. Julie would often share good memories of the things she learned from Betty during her college years. She will be missed but she is now with the Lord she loved and so faithfully served for years.

Jay R. Link

Friend

October 17, 2020

Elisabeth was a sweet lady and glad I got to know her through the church. She will be greatly missed and loved.

Melanie

Acquaintance

October 15, 2020

I loved Mrs. Osbeck's classes as she stretched us out of our comfort zones & helped us sharpen tools which God could use in various ministries. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

Lori Kline Ewart

Student

October 15, 2020

I have many fond memories of acting under Mrs Osbeck’s direction. She was exceptionally gifted and so warm-hearted!

Bruce Van Antwerp

Student

October 15, 2020

To the Osbeck family I am so sorry for your loss!
Thank you all so much for sharing your sweet mother (and dad) with so many students over the years!
This past weekend I was recounting stories of how Professor Osbeck influenced my career as much as anyone! I am so thankful that your mother saw things in me that I didn’t know were there!
Your Mother was a True Difference Maker in my life.

Gordie Lindsay
Class of 83’ ❤

Gordie Lindsay

Student

October 14, 2020

I appreciated her so much as a drama teacher and coach. She put me in parts of several plays I didn't deserve to be in. I realized a few plays in that if I was in a play I'd have to work on the set. So I did, sometimes at intermission- for about 10 years after I was a student. She was always so gracious and such an encourager!

John Marquardt

October 14, 2020

Mrs. Osbeck was the epitome of joy, inspiration always to me during my college years, and a reflection of God in her attitudes toward life. I was able to visit with her just a few months ago at Resthaven. She never took things too seriously and often helped me blow off those incidents that were not worth Worrying about. She was my favorite teacher and friend! She is with her Lord and her husband and will be missed by many.
George and Debra Anderson

Debra Anderson

Student

October 14, 2020

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Funeral services provided by:

Pederson Funeral Home - Rockford

127 N. Monroe Street NE, Rockford, MI 49341

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