Elizabeth Mae Williams Hapeman

     Family and friends were saddened to hear about the passing of Elizabeth “Betty” Hapeman on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.  Betty was born to Ralph and Inez Bailey Williams on November 18, 1936. She cherished and often shared her memories growing up on the family farm in Lexington.  She was the oldest of three daughters, welcoming sisters Mary and Rose to the family. She attended Hunter-Tannersville Central School (Class of 1954). Soon after graduation, Betty married Glenn Hapeman and began their own family. She was a devoted wife, and mother to their sons, Glenn Ralph and Gary.  She was very proud of their sons.
     Starting out as a farmer’s wife, Betty often talked about the long hours worked doing chores with her husband and how those years were among their happiest memories. She eventually worked for Dr. Robert Blakeslee in Windham.  Eventually, she became Postmaster in Lexington, serving the public and our community for 28 years. Betty enjoyed gardening, traveling, and collecting old postcards, and spending time with friends and family. 
     Betty loved the mountains, and she especially loved her community! She lived her life as a Christian, caring and supporting others, lending a helping hand to anyone in need, and being kind to all who crossed her path. Betty was a dedicated volunteer, not just attending meetings but working hours to accomplish the goal or mission.   She was a member of the Lexington-WestKill United Methodist Church, serving as Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent as well as serving as Trustee/Treasurer for 55 years. In the 1970s, Betty played a vital role in her church being able to add on a new commercial kitchen and fellowship hall in the 1970s, where many families continue to make memories today. You could always find her in the kitchen preparing the food for the Church’s dinners. 
     Betty was a member of the Town of Lexington Ladies Auxiliary; the Town of Lexington Democrat Club, a founding member of Town of Lexington Historical Society and the Johannes Hardenbergh Chapter NSDAR.  Betty was one of the original organizers in the formation of the Hunter-Tannersville Alumni Association and served as a member for the past 40+ years. She led a full, busy, and eventful life but still had time to care and nurture her family, friends, and neighbors.  She was a great listener who offered kindness, understanding, and wisdom!
     Betty is survived by her sons, Glenn, and Gary (Laura); grandson, Nicholas; sister, Rose Williams; and many beloved nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Glenn, and sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Larry Becker.
     Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 4th at Aston-Basagic Funeral Home, Rt. 23A, Hunter, NY during the hours of 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 5th at the Lexington-WestKill United Methodist Church at 11 AM.  Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to her church, Lexington-WestKill United Methodist Church, PO Box 189, Lexington, NY 12452.
     Betty will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all who knew her!