Elizabeth "Betty" Zorich

Elizabeth “Betty” Mary Zorich, 95, a loving wife, mother and homemaker, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at the Okeechobee Health Care Facility in Okeechobee, Florida.

Betty was born to Leo and Clara (Clement) Beauchamp on February 18, 1929 in Ironwood, Michigan where she was raised and attended school.   Upon completion of her education, she worked at Paul Sauter’s Glass Company in Ironwood. During this period, she met the love of her life and on August 18, 1951, she was united in marriage to Robert Zorich at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood. Following their marriage, they live in Fargo, North Dakota where she was employed at DeLendrecie’s Department Store. In the fall of 1952 they moved to Fairmount, North Dakota where she became a mother and homemaker after the birth of her first child. Then, in 1954, they returned to Fargo so her husband could continue his education before they settled in Pipestone, Minnesota. She continued being a mother and homemaker and also began working for the Pipestone Indian Shrine Association in 1968. She continued to work there until September 1990, when she retired. After her retirement, Betty and her husband began spending their winters in Florida and traveling around the world.  In December of 2017, Betty and Robert moved to Okeechobee, Florida to be near family.

Betty was a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Pipestone. She belonged to the Council of Catholic Women and served as Past Grand Regent in the Catholic Daughter’s of America. She was also a member of the Pipestone Indian Shrine Association. Betty enjoyed fishing, dancing and traveling. She and her husband were former members of the Arkota Polka Club of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the Polka Club of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

She is lovingly remembered by her three children, Jean Zorich of Okeechobee, Florida, John (Gail) Zorich of Eagan, Minnesota, and Mary Zorich of Ocala, Florida; one sister, Ruth (John) Mitchell of Ironwood, Michigan; four grandchildren, Walter Thayer, Kristen (Jon) Draz, Michael Zorich, and Scott Zorich; her sister-in-law, Kathleen Beauchamp of Plymouth, Minnesota; and two great-grandchildren, Claire and Evan Draz.   

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Zorich; her parents; two brothers; and her daughter, Elizabeth Thayer.