Elizabeth Munson "Betty" Imhoff

1929 - 2025

Elizabeth "Betty" Munson Imhoff

December 8, 1929 - April 20, 2025

On April 20, 2025, Elizabeth "Betty" Munson Imhoff died unexpectedly at the age of 95, having lived a life so full that even nine and a half decades couldn't contain all she wished to accomplish.

Born on December 8, 1929 in Chicago, Betty spent much of her youth in Minnesota, attending schools and later Hamline University in St. Paul. Her summers were happily passed on her Norwegian immigrant grandparents' homestead in the Red River Valley, where she developed the pioneering spirit that would define her life.

In 1956, beneath the soaring glass walls of the Wayfarers Chapel in Portuguese Bend, California, Betty married the love of her life, Edgar Allen Imhoff. What followed was an adventure spanning 18 major moves across the country, following Ed's career in geology and water resources. Betty's friends and family credit her with not only supporting Ed's successful career but creating a loving home wherever they landed, including one particularly memorable winter spent in a trailer in the high country of Wyoming with a months-old baby. (As many have noted, Betty was indeed a saint!)

Despite their nomadic lifestyle, Betty found time to volunteer extensively with hospitals, mental health organizations, Traveler's Aid, arts programs, and most significantly, Hospice, where she served as a patient-care volunteer for 20 years. Her dedication to Hospice of the Piedmont included Board service during the creation of Hospice House in Charlottesville, and her contributions were recognized with the organization's Angel Award.

Betty was the undisputed champion of family adventures. When her octogenarian mother and aunt longed to visit Norwegian relatives living on an island north of Tromso, Betty orchestrated an unforgettable journey, cruising Norway's coast before reuniting with relatives on Reindeer Island, well beyond the Arctic Circle. Of all their travels, Betty and Ed considered this Norwegian expedition their most treasured.

Her spirited, occasionally mischievous choices revealed her zest for life. She scandalized Maine neighbors by taking her fifth-grade daughter to a production of "Hair" (though she wisely prevented her daughter from using the binoculars). She conquered Maine's highest peak at the end of the Appalachian Trail fueled by nothing more sophisticated than candy bars consumed at one-mile intervals. These adventures exemplified how Betty shared her enthusiasm for life and love of the outdoors with her children.

Betty's joys were both grand and simple: she adored stuffed animals, savored a good glass of wine, and delighted in listening to her son Scott play guitar. She recently confessed that her one regret was not having been able to protest against the Trump presidency, a testament to her lifelong commitment to standing up for her beliefs.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of Martha Jefferson House, whose compassionate care made Betty's final months comfortable and dignified.

Betty always preferred intimate gatherings over formal ceremonies. In honoring that spirit, the family has decided not to hold a public memorial service or funeral.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Kat Imhoff, and Kat's husband, John "Jeep" Moore; by her son, Scott Allen Imhoff, and his wife, Wendi Imhoff; and by her grandson, William Imhoff. Her beloved husband, Ed, preceded her in death by two years, undoubtedly preparing their next great adventure together.