Elizabeth Betty (Lipps) Eisen

Elizabeth “Betty” Helen Lipps Eisen died at the age of 91 in the early morning of November 23, 2023, surrounded by her family after a brief battle with cancer. Betty was born on May 27, 1932, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the fifth youngest of eleven children to the late Edward and Mary (Ihle) Lipps. Growing up on a farm near Pedretti Avenue in Delhi, she learned the value of hard work at an early age, helping tend the crops and animals on the family farm.

Betty was a member of St. Dominic’s Church in Delhi as a child, and later joined Our Lady of Victory also in Delhi, where her six children attended school. Her true calling was caring for and nurturing children, a job she dedicated her life to, first by raising her own children and then working as Director of Daycare at Mt. St. Joseph University for twenty years. In retirement, she continued her commitment to children by working as a private nanny. She also worked at Western Hills Retirement Village in the gift shop, where she enjoyed talking with residents. She was truly loved and treasured by all. Betty always gave the gift of time.

Those who knew Betty were in awe of her child-whispering talents. She was the ultimate teacher who effortlessly connected with and played with children, showering them with patience, kindness, and love. She was full of surprises, learning to swim as an adult and becoming a world traveler with trips to Italy, Turkey, Malaysia, and Mexico. Over the years, Betty lit many candles for her family as they traveled to and from their childhood home to visit her. In some ways, it is poetic that she passed on Thanksgiving, her favorite holiday. Indeed, Betty’s signature dishes of turkey stuffing, chocolate chip cookies, home fries, and banana bread are legendary. Many bonding moments and much laughter came from spending time in the kitchen cooking and drinking coffee with Betty. She kept the same tin box of recipe cards, using it as an address book for more than 60 years, never throwing out a contact card - always editing them with a pencil. Her recipe box was, in some ways, a metaphor for her life - evolving, enduring, and very full.

Betty leaves her children, Joseph (Donna) Eisen, Doug (Melanie) Eisen, Anna (John) Block, Dennis Eisen, Matthew Eisen, and Martin Eisen; grandchildren, Josh (Kelsey) Block, Alie (Jordan) Carroll, Julia, Elena, and Leia Eisen, and Lucca Eisen-Navarette. She was the dear sister of Agnes (Ludwig), and the late Edna (Eckstein), Leo Lipps, Bernie Lipps, Eleanor (Heidi), Frieda (Knolle), Charlie Lipps, Henrietta (Grosjean), Ed Lipps, and Mary (Heister). She was Aunt Betty to many nieces and nephews, a cousin to many, and a friend to all.

In keeping with her generosity throughout her life, Betty pre-arranged to make a direct and important contribution to medical teaching and research by donating her body to the University of Cincinnati Medical School. Even now, her life continues to be a living prayer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in her honor and memory be sent to: Ignite Peace, an education and advocacy organization that challenges unjust systems and promotes the creation of a non-violent society, or to Our Lady of Victory Church in Delhi.

On Thursday, December 7 at St. Dominic Church 4551 Delhi Avenue, there will be a 9:00 AM visitation (Gathering Place, rear entrance) and 10:00 AM mass followed by a celebration of life at The Farm, 239 Anderson Ferry Rd. As per Betty’s wishes, all are invited to wear vibrant and colorful attire to celebrate her life!