Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Ebert
Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Ebert
HORNELL – Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Ebert, of Hornell, New York, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, in the home she loved. Born November 30, 1931, Betty lived a life centered around family, hard work, generosity, and caring for those she loved.
Betty was the daughter of the late Julia Crosby-Crowe and Francis Crowe. She was also predeceased by her siblings, Jean Crowe-Giglio, Francis Crowe, Gerald Crowe, and William Crowe; her beloved husband, Lawrence J. Ebert, who passed away on November 26, 1997; her daughter, Julia, who died at birth; and her longtime friend, Nick Cristofaro.
Betty was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and later graduated from Hornell High School with the Class of1950. Following graduation, she began her working career with the New York Telephone Company. She was later employed by the New York State Department of Labor before transferring to the New York State Department of Transportation, where she continued her career until retiring in 1993 after many years of dedicated service.
While Betty took great pride in her work and accomplishments, the most important role in her life was always being a mother.
As a young mother, Betty devoted herself to caring for her children and being involved in every aspect of their lives. She was a Camp Fire leader and could always be found supporting her children at their many activities, including basketball games, equestrian events, football, track, cheerleading, and countless other school events. If it was important to one of her children, it was important to Betty.
She was a talented seamstress who lovingly made dresses for her daughters, an amazing cook, and an accomplished gardener and canner. Betty took tremendous pride in providing for her family. Her cinnamon rolls became a family favorite and were especially anticipated at holidays and special occasions.
Betty also loved being a hostess, and her home was a place where people gathered and memories were made. In one particularly memorable example of her generosity and hospitality, Betty once hosted breakfast at her home for the entire Hornell High School Class of 1977.
Throughout her life, Betty remained active in her community. She served as treasurer for the Steuben County Democratic Party. She also enjoyed spending time at the Hornell YMCA, where she especially enjoyed swimming and socializing.
Betty was a longtime communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. Her connection to St. Ann’s began during her school years and remained an important part of her life.
Betty had a great love for animals and cared for many of them throughout the years on the family farm. She loved the home and property where she raised her family, and one of her favorite simple pleasures was watching her children swim in Big Creek that ran through the property.
Of all the things Betty accomplished during her long life, none meant more to her than her family. She was immensely proud of her children and loved spending time with them. She was a devoted and loving mother whose children were at the center of her world. That love grew with each generation, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her tremendous happiness.
Betty is survived by her children: Lawrence Ebert (Cynthia) of Hornell, New York; Jane Ebert (Lanny) of Saratoga, New York; James Ebert (Cathy) of Albany, New York; Alex Ebert of Beaver Creek, Colorado; Joseph Ebert (Kathy) of Alfred, New York; and Mary Kay Tarantino (Todd) of Clarkston, Michigan.
She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Zachary, Elizabeth, Sophia, Greybeck, Lane, Jacob, Liam, Veronica, Hudson, and Harrison; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Charleigh Rose, Vincent, Sybella, Olivia, Ella, and Roy.
Betty’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caregivers from Tender Loving In-Home Care Agency for the kindness, compassion, and devoted care they provided to Betty. Their support allowed Betty to remain comfortably in the home she loved, surrounded by the familiar things and memories she treasured.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 27, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main Street, Hornell, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, August 28, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Avenue, Hornell, New York.
Following the Mass, family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon celebrating Betty’s life at The Main Place, 251 Main Street, Hornell, New York.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Betty’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Betty are welcome below or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.