South Royalton, VT – Elizabeth D. “Betty” Rivers, 90, died at Menig Health and Rehab Center in Randolph Center, VT.
She was born May 15, 1935 in Troy, NY where she was orphaned but was later adopted by her grandfather John Rivers of Brandon VT, then raised by her mother Elizabeth Rivers Rowe.
She married Henry A. Demar of St. Albans, VT. The lived most their married life in the St. Albans area. Henry died in 1972. She later married George Lewis of Hancock, VT. They also lived in St. Albans, VT. They later divorced.
In 1979 she moved to South Royalton, VT.
Betty had worked as a waitress at Howard Johnsons and the Polka Dot Restaurant in White River Junction, VT. She also worked at Waterbury Plastics in Randolph, VT and worked at the Hotel Emery in Rutland, VT as a maid, waitress and cook.
Betty loved science fiction movies, dancing, county music, traveling, seeing exotic animals, playing bingo, donkeys, covered bridges, flower gardening, raising Pomeranians, plants, birds and teaching people to cook.
Her greatest love were her many children and grandchildren who she called her “flower garden.”
She is survived by her son Henry Demar of Northfield, VT six daughters, Beverly Tatro of Merced, CA, Helen Sawyer of Bridgewater, VT, Nettie Demar of Bethel, VT, Elizabeth Taylor of Fargo, ND, Alberta Demar Bailey of Woodstock, VT and Penny (Raymond) Burke of Vershire, VT, two daughter in laws Gracia Rogers of Tunbridge, VT, and Michele Demar of Northfield, VT. 28 grandchildren, 67 great-grandchildren, 50 great-great grandchildren, two brothers, Bernard Buswell of Rutland, VT and John Buswell of Wyoming, a sister Priscilla Aines of Rutland, VT, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her husband Henry, a son Jack Demar, a brother Robert Buswell, a sister Margaret Holden and a granddaughter Michele Elizabeth Demar.
There are no public calling hours. A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11am at the Royalton Congregational Church.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Last Mile Ride, 44 South Main Street, Randolph, VT 05060.
The Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea, VT is in charge of arrangements. A private message of sympathy can be shared with the family at www.boardwaycilley.com.
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