Betty Robinson

Betty Olin Robinson passed away on July 3, 2015 at Greenfield Senior Living, after suffering a stroke. Betty was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and touched many lives with her caring and giving spirit. She was an amazing woman, and enjoyed a very full life.

She was born March 21, 1918 in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, the daughter of Seymour and Louise Olin.
After graduation from Western Michigan University and further work at Michigan State University and the University of Chicago she taught at Lewiston and Dowagiac, Michigan.

In late 1944 she was married to the late Berwyn "Robbie" Robinson and they moved to New York City where he worked in the Atomic Energy Commission's early Manhattan District project. Later they were moved to the Niagara Falls site and the Fernald, Ohio site before settling at the Oak Ridge office in 1957.

She is survived by their sons Larry of Rochester, MI, Gregg and his wife Pamela of Alexandria, VA and six grandchildren: Erik Robinson and his wife Kelly, Brian Robinson and his wife Kelly, Tracy Robinson and Nathan, Amy Dane and husband Chris, Scott Robinson, Kelly Robinson, and seven great grandchildren: Quinn, Kayla, Camille, Drew, Miranda, Benjamin, and Ali.

Other survivors include a cousin, four nieces and nephews and their children and brother-in-law Roland Derry of Galesburg, IL. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brothers Rollin and Robert, and sister Dorothy Roberts.

The year Robbie served as president of Rotary their International meeting was in Mexico City. This started their years of extensive traveling overseas following his retirement. She continued, enjoying taking her grandchildren on vacation trips with Grandtravel, a company that plans trips for grandparents and grandchildren together.

They were members of the Oak Ridge Country Club where she enjoyed playing golf with the Nine Hole group. She was a member of the American Association of University Women, serving as president for a year, and was also a member of the Oak Ridge Women's Club, the Arts Guild of Oak Ridge, the Art Center and a couple of danced clubs and bridge clubs. Earlier she was active in the Alumnae Investment club. Over the years she had volunteered at Recording for the Blind, West Mall, the American Museum of Science and Energy and the Hospital Volunteers.

As a member of First United Methodist Church her favorite volunteering concern was for the Keystone Adult Care program that was established in 1988. She was a volunteer from the first day and continued for twenty one years. Watercolor painting was a hobby that led to painting note cards that were sold as a fund raiser for Keystone for many years.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, in Oak Ridge. The family will receive friends immediately after the service.

The family asks that any memorials be made in her name to First United Methodist Church, 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830.

The body has been cremated at her wish. The ashes will be interred in the Robinson family plot at Ipava, IL. Betty's family thanks the staff of Greenfield Senior Living for the four years of compassionate care, and Caris Health Care for the support and comfort in her last months.