Bette Maybury, MD

Bette Maybury, MD, daughter of Gustav and Elna Gerlitz, was born 11-10-1942 in Fargo, ND, and died 9-4-2016 in Indianapolis, IN from complications of scleroderma, a rare, chronic, progressive auto-immune disease affecting the connective tissues, skin, blood vessels, internal organs and digestive tract.

Bette began her medical career working as a medical technologist for 17 years before pursuing her dream of going to medical school. She enrolled in the IU School of Medicine at the age of 40, graduating as the salutatorian of her class, then completed a residency in neurology as well as fellowships in EEG & EMG. She worked as a clinical neurologist for nearly 20 years, seeing patients at University and Wishard, until her failing health forced her to retire.

Bette was a congenial soul who always delighted in striking up conversations with strangers she met, relishing any details of their life which they were willing to share. She was a fierce advocate for the inherent dignity and value of human life, and she never considered another person to be less worthy of kindness regardless of sex, race, religion or education. She was a charter member of the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Indianapolis (UUI), and her philanthropy included decades of unwavering support for Amnesty Int'l, Southern Poverty Law Center, Gleaners, ISO, Dance Kaleidoscope, Phoenix Theater, the Indianapolis Zoo, IMA and many more.

In her spare time, Bette enjoyed reading, gardening, attending concerts and plays, crossword puzzles & was especially fond of spending cuddle time with her beloved pet cats. Per her final requests, Bette will be cremated and her ashes mixed with those of several of her favorite felines, who preceded her in death. Memorial services will be held in May 2017 at UUI, cremation services by Flanner and Buchanan- Zionsville.

Survivors include: her husband of 49 years, James (Robin Run in Indianapolis); daughter Cathy (Randall); son Matt (Heather); granddaughter Eylie Cassis; siblings Carol, Curt, Susan and Gail.

No recapitulation of Bette's life would be complete without mentioning the lengths to which she and James went to be in attendance for full solar eclipses in peak viewing conditions. They traveled the world, viewing these astral phenomena in such far flung locations as India, Baja, South Africa, Easter Island and most recently, despite her frail health, Bette took a cruise off the coast of Indonesia in March 2016 to view yet another. Plans for viewing next year's eclipse in the Tetons with Matt, Heather and Eylie were already finalized.

Mom, I'm so sorry you won't be there in person to share the eclipse with us… I'm positive that when we look to the sky your spirit will outshine the corona.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star on Sep. 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Bette Maybury

6 Entries

Eylie Maybury

June 4, 2018

I new Betty personally being her granddaughter I loved her more than anyone she was an amazing grandma who I called Mimi my entire life, though a bit crabby at times, especially towards the end she was always loving. Something I remember about her was that she always had werthers hard caramels around the house she had I real sweet tooth and whenever she would watch me once I got a bit older we would always joke that it was more like I came over to watch her rather then for her to watch me because she would always fall asleep. That is all I can really say though there is not enough space in the world to explain all of my adventures with her, or spell out my everlasting love for her,
I love you and I miss you Mimi
You left me too soon
Your granddaughter and admirer

Keith Liden

September 20, 2017

Dr. Bette Maybury treated my Cluster headaches for over a decade and literally gave me the ability to function with a quality of life I would not have known without her. Her technical passion for treating headache and compassion as a physician were exceptional. Patients didn't just appreciate her, they loved her for her care. Keith Liden, M.S., M.S. Criminal Justice

September 27, 2016

Bette was such a special person. Here at Robin Run she bravely kept on, even when it was almost impossible for her to swallow. She was eager to help anyone who wanted information about medical problems, cared for all of us. Another friend and I enjoyed dinner out with her twice--and it was always a delight. She would drive us in her aging car. We always heard the latest cat story, her love of her granddaughter, and the news before and after her great trip to the eclipse. We forgot how ill she was--even though she seldom ate most of her dinner. That was what she wanted: to keep going as long as she could. She was a great lady.

Pat Johnston

Laurel Wheatley

September 26, 2016

I was a patient of Dr. Maybury. She helped me with my health problems get to the point were I am now , living a good life. I so admired her. Laurel Wheatley
Noblesville, Indiana

September 25, 2016

May you be encouraged by God's promise of eternal life.

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