Elizabeth R. Burdick

MADISON/WEST LAFAYETTE,IN/COLUMBIA,MO/DELPHI,IN- Elizabeth "Betty" Revington Burdick finished a life well lived on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, at age 93 in Madison, Wis. She is survived by her three children, George Revington (Marge Smith) of Greensboro, N.C., Pence Revington of Mt. Horeb, Wis. and Elizabeth Revington (George Kintzer) of Madison, Wis.; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and her Missouri family and dear friends everywhere. Memorials may be directed to Planned Parenthood or another organization that supports families and children. A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF ELIZABETH REVINGTON BURDICK: Blessed with beauty, spunk and smarts, "Betty" made the most of her time on Earth. Ever an optimist, she believed the saying, "The world is so full of such wonderful things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings." She also realized that happiness doesn't just "happen", so she composed a kind of creed that served her well over her long, successful life. These tenets still inspire and inform those of us lucky to have been close to her. They include: Put love first. It's the most important element of life and well worth the work it takes. To keep love alive, you must tend to your loved ones like a garden: keep in touch, make time, invite them, tell them you love them and trust them. Show affection—hug! People need love most when they deserve it the least. Believe in love. Find a good partner and stand by them. Focus on the good in your mate and forgive the rest. When necessary, will the romance. Betty gave her all to her loves—George Revington, Fred Hovde, Allan Burdick and Russell Baumann. Though none of them were perfect, she never said an unkind word about any of them. When the music comes on, dance! If you know the words, sing. Who cares if you look silly? It's fun. Betty loved a party and was practically professional at creating good times. Wherever you are, create a beautiful space. Betty's uncanny ability to arrange and decorate her homes in Delphi and West Lafayette (Indiana) and Colombia (Missouri) delighted all who entered. Wherever your eye lit there was something special for you to see. If given a chance, she would prune an entire forest to perfection. She was ever improving her world and seeking the right balance. Appreciate art. Betty was inspired by and interested in a wide range of artistic expressions. With her husband, George, she collected 20th century American art—an adventurous array of sculpture and painting that reflected their wide-open minds and worldly interests. Betty's influence on and contributions to art leagues, museums, boards and artists themselves continued throughout her life. Forgive. Don't judge others or dwell on their faults. They are doing the best they can. Rather than criticize, encourage them. (You will get more out of them.) This especially applied as Betty aged and relied on others to care for her. The ready "thanks" never failed. Get in the game. Whether a mud-caked sorority football game at Indiana University or a wicked round of cards, Betty played to win and kept score, but never held a grudge. Not one for the sidelines, when she moved to Assisted Living she became impossible to reach by phone, as she was always signed up to DO something. Cherish the beauty of nature. Betty saw ever-changing paintings in the daily interplay of sun, sky and shadows, and she never failed to exclaim about it. Dutchman's breeches, Redbud, Sycamore and Oak were all beloved lifelong friends and fellow travelers. She was most comfortable and happy near trees. Travel. Get as far away as you can, dive into the culture, refresh your perspective. Betty sailed the seas off Turkey, played ping pong with the Chinese, rode in dugout canoes in Ecuador, tramped the ruins of Syria and loved everything about France. She always said, "Go while you still can." Look your best. Betty put on silk shirts, earrings, makeup and a wig (when necessary) just to go to breakfast. She felt that dressing up was a way to please and honor others. Wherever she went, she added class. If someone needs help, DO something. "The Great White Wing" was always there for her three children and dear friends, but Betty's generosity extended to the community as well. Her decades of volunteer work for juvenile justice in Indiana earned her statewide awards and recognition. A group home for at-risk children in Lafayette still bears her name. Realizing the blessings in her own life, Betty naturally extended herself to others with greater struggles. Betty loved life, but let go of it graciously. A perennial eighteen-year-old, she didn't really realize that she might actually be "old" until her 90's. Her "forever young" attitude and time-tested beliefs served her well. She leaves the world a better, more beautiful place. Her life is remembered and celebrated by her children, George Revington (Marge Smith), Pence Revington and Elizabeth Revington (George Kintzer), their families, and the many other family members and friends who were included in Betty's special circle of love. Written by Elizabeth Revington