Betty Fosburgh Obituary

Elizabeth “Betty” Rausch Fosburgh, 72, passed away on Monday, May 5th, 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Plymouth United Church of Christ, 4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 at 11am on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025.

Betty was born September 28, 1952 in Goffstown, New Hampshire. She was the only daughter and youngest child of Robert George Rausch Sr. and Carlene (Watson) Rausch Hartshorn. Betty graduated from Keene State College in Keene New Hampshire with a degree in elementary education. After teaching briefly, Betty began working for New Hampshire Insurance, where she met her husband of 45 years, Richard “Dick” Fosburgh. They were married July 7th, 1979. For the first few years of their marriage, Betty and Dick moved around due to Dick’s work. They lived for a while in Lorton, Virginia where they welcomed their only child Heather and later settled in Des Moines.

A busy full-time mother, Betty was active in her beloved local church, Plymouth United Church of Christ where she was an office volunteer for over 30 years as well as serving on the Board of Deacons multiple times. Betty was also active in the PTA while Heather was in school and helped with a literacy program at the school. Later in life, Betty also volunteered with John’s Harbor at Wesley Acres when her mother was a resident there.

Betty was always creative and artistic, taking up many artistic hobbies in her life including painting, sewing, and ceramics. For the last 10 years, Betty was known for her card making. Her cards were well loved by friends and family who would put in orders for her unique cards for Christmas and birthdays.

Betty is survived by her husband Richard of Des Moines, IA. One child, Rev. Heather Fosburgh (Liam) of Tucker, GA. Her two brothers: Robert G. Rausch Jr. (Rose) of TX and Carl Rausch. She is preceded in death by her father, Robert George Rausch Sr. and her mother, Carlene (Watson) Rausch Hartshorn.

The Family will receive family and friends at a reception following the Celebration of Life service at Plymouth Church 4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312 at 11am on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Plymouth United Church of Christ (https://www.plymouthchurch.com/give).


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