Beth (Newberry) Backus
December 3, 1949 - December 18, 2024
Beth (Newberry) Backus passed away peacefully Wednesday December 18th at her home. She valiantly lived with MS for 30 years.
She was born in Anderson, IN. to Gene and Agnes Newberry on December 3rd, 1949. She graduated from Anderson High School and Anderson College. On January 1st, 2025, she would have celebrated 31 years of marriage to Dr. John Moe, a partnership marked by love, shared adventures, and unwavering support.
She started her English teaching career in Ohio but also taught in West Virginia and Nebraska, also directing plays at each of these schools. She taught at an international school in Frankfort, Germany for two years. Returning to the states, she finished a Masters in Library Science at Indiana University and started her career as a librarian in Monterey, California. All of these teaching positions were with Junior High students. Beth finished her teaching career as the librarian at Hamilton Southeastern Middle School.
Beth’s number one interest was reading. She remembered the titles, authors, and main characters and plots of books long after she had read them. Before retirement, she read most of the young adult books she would recommend to her students.
Beth also traveled as much as she could before her MS prevented trips. She and John vacationed in Maine and Hilton Head, and she traveled to England several times with John or her sisters.
Beth is survived by her husband, Dr. John Moe, sisters Kay Schlafer and Jill Dickerson, niece Angela (Cameron) Ellison, and great-nephew Ike Ellison. She is also survived by step daughters Sue (Leo) Baroncini-Moe and Anne (Alex) Wilmore and step grandchildren, Claire and Miles. Many cousins also survive. Beth was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-law Larry Fletcher and Don Schlafer.
The family would like to thank Paradigm Hospice. And, the caregivers from Home Instead became like family: Tonya, Jeana, Vani, and Noel.
A service of memories will be in the Newberry Room at Park Place Church of God (enter Door 6 at the back of the church) on Saturday January 4th at 11:00, with visiting an hour before.
Memorial donations can be given to Park Place Church of God or the Newberry Scholarship at Anderson University.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com