Elizabeth “Betty” “Grandma” Dewing
FRANKLIN: Elizabeth “Betty” “Grandma” Dewing, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, December 19th, 2022, at her home and is now in the hands of the Lord.
She was born in Franklin on April 19, 1930, to the late Olin and Abbie (White) Benjamin.
Betty was a lifelong resident of Franklin. After graduating from Johnson State Teachers College, Betty taught school in Fairfax and in Richford. She married the love of her life, Gilbert Dewing on September 26, 1953. Together they raised a family and worked side by side in their business, Benjamin and Dewing Lime Service. She was an active member and sat on several boards in the community of Franklin, a proud member of the East Franklin Union Church and the Sexton of the East Franklin Cemetery Association.
Betty will be remembered for her strong-willed independence, unmatched work ethic, and determination that she would one day again mow, weed whack, and pick berries despite the fact that her legs caused her great pain. Betty found enjoyment in working with her children and grandchildren in the barns, milking cows, raising veal, raking hay, mowing, and trimming in the East Franklin cemetery, catching/folding shirts and making deliveries for Grizzly Graphix, working in the garden, picking berries, greening up the roadsides, reading everything she got her hands on and doing Bible word searches. She will be remembered for her signature potato salad, corn chowder, sweet potato casserole, pumpkin rolls, pies, and bread! During the summer months, you could find Betty doing what she loved best, mowing lawns and it has been said, “that the lawns in Heaven will look better than ever, now that they have a new angel to keep them mowed and trimmed.” Betty was a “pillar” of the East Franklin Union Church, welcoming all newcomers and always checking in on anyone who may have missed a few Sundays.
Above all, Betty “Grandma”, loved her family, always putting them first in everything she did! She instilled in all of them, her strong work ethic and the values and importance of family! She seldom missed an opportunity to support her children and grandchildren and could be found at most school, motocross, and sporting events!
Betty and Gilbert took many trips all over the U.S., sometimes taking their grandchildren with them! In recent years Betty enjoyed countless hours of traveling the backroads of Franklin County with Gilbert and always reminded him to “slow down, they were not in a hurry” as she did with everyone she rode with!
She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Gilbert Dewing; son, James Dewing II and his wife Jennifer of Franklin; and daughter Priscilla Grant and her husband John of Sheldon. She was the most wonderful grandmother to her grandchildren, Stephanie Ho (John), Jessica Dewing, Melissa Dewing, James Dewing III (Maggie), Matthew Grant (Julia), Michael Grant (Brittiny), Amber Gerbode-Grant, and Jonathan Gerbode-Grant (Kate). She was proud to be a great-grandmother to Kaeden, Liam, and Hannah Ho, Amelia Dewing, Lucas Grant, Grace and Lucy Gerbode-Grant; and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides her parents, Betty was predeceased by her sisters, Madeline Richard, and Sylvia Messier.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service in loving memory of Betty on Saturday, January 14th, at 11 am at the East Franklin Union Church, East Franklin, VT with a luncheon following the service at the Franklin United Church in the town of Franklin.
For those who wish, contributions in Betty’s memory may be made to the East Franklin Union Church, c/o Priscilla Grant 249 VT RTE 236, Enosburg Falls VT 05450
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