If a geographic area shapes a person's life, then Betty Buchanan was a true Indianapolis north sider. She grew up in a white-framed house at 4923 Carollton Avenue and lived within the boundaries of 38th and 96th Streets her entire life.

She graduated from School #70 and Shortridge High School, and then attended Butler University. She was a member of Meridian Street United Methodist Church for more than fifty years. She and her family were members of the Riviera Club and Meridian Hills Country Club. Betty touched hundreds of lives during her 22 years of volunteering in the Chaplain's Office at Methodist Hospital.

In 1950 she married Paul H. Buchanan, Jr. and the couple had two sons, Brian, born in 1952, and Bruce who came along in 1955. She was a devoted, caring mother who was always talking about "her two boys." The family has many happy memories from Christmas dinners at Paul and Ruth Buchanan Sr.'s house at 5001 North Meridian Street (Brian was born in a cottage behind the home), and trips to Florida, Colorado, and England. Sadly, the marriage came to an end in 1972.

Throughout her life Betty was devoted to God and the teachings of Jesus. Her work at Methodist Hospital was a testament to her faith. She would pray with those who were in for surgery or a family member who was faced with the loss of a loved one.

Betty's life was reflected in the many friendships she developed and kept throughout her lifetime. In her final years, as her body began to fail her, it was her relationship with God, her boys, her friends and her grandchildren: Alex, Rebecca and Andrew that sustained her.

It's been said that one can't change the world, but Betty had a big impact on HER world. At the funeral many familiar faces and more than a few strangers appeared to pay their respects. Persons she had touched during her full life on the north side of Indianapolis.

(Related information can be found in the Legacies of Mayme & Reuben Kerbox)

Betty Jean Kerbox Buchanan, Indianapolis died October 15, 2003. She recently resided at Hoosier Village Retirement Center and was a life long resident of Indianapolis. Betty was a member of Meridian Street United Methodist Church where she served on the board of the woman's society and was chairwoman for a world day of prayer. She volunteered as a Chaplain's assistant for 22 years at Methodist Hospital. Betty belonged to Contemporary Club, Stansfield Circle, and was co-chairwoman of the anniversary of School 70. A Sagamore of the Wabash award was presented to Betty by Governor Otis Bowen. She also served at Dayspring, Americana, and the soup kitchen at North United Methodist Church.
Betty graduated from Butler University and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Betty was a devoted mother to sons Brian K. Buchanan of Indianapolis and Bruce W. Buchanan, who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is survived by brother William E. Kerbox of Maui, Hawaii and three grandchildren; Brian Alex, Rebecca and Andrew Buchanan.