Elizabeth Ogden Dreyer

DREYER, Frances Elizabeth (Betty) Ogden, 97, passed away at her home early

Tuesday morning, July 28, 2026, surrounded by loving family and friends. Born

July 14, 1929, in Knoxville, Tennessee, she grew up on Jefferson Avenue in a

house across the street from her grandparents and aunts (where her mother had

been born). Growing up surrounded by family who dearly loved her, the

importance of family was second nature to her as she raised her own.

Betty graduated from Knoxville High School in June 1947 where she was a

member of the National Honor Society and active in the French Club, Latin Club,

and Writer's Club. She attended The University of Miami in Coral Gables Florida,

graduating in 1951, with a degree in Journalism. She was secretary of Nu Kappa

Tau, the highest honorary for women recognizing outstanding scholarship,

leadership, and school service. She was an active member of Chi Omega sorority.

Betty met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Dreyer at The University of Miami-

where they married on February 3, 1951, moving to Oak Ridge in 1952.

In Oak Ridge, Betty was engaged in her children's lives- encouraging each of them

to explore their own particular interests including horses, ballroom dancing, and

painting, along with various school activities. She spent many years serving as a

Camp Fire Girls leader and was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Betty continued the tradition first started by her mother of taking the family to stay

in a cabin at Big Ridge State Park each summer- a tradition her children have

continued with their children.

She enjoyed traveling and spent many, many happy times at Disney World with

friends and family. She had additional opportunities for travelling with Bob to

make it possible for him to serve on the U.S. President's Committee on Disabilities

 for numerous years. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents (Warner and Ray Ogden), brother

(Alfred Ogden), and son-in-law (Ronald Parr). Betty is survived by her daughters,

Patricia Parr of Oak Ridge, Dorothy Dreyer of Gainesville, Florida, and Nancy

Kile (and spouse, Jeff Kile) of Oak Ridge; her four adored grandchildren, Keith

Kile, Robert Parr, Jessica Kile Williams, and Elizabeth Parr Cannon; and great-

grandchildren, Laurel Williams, Evan Williams, Maren Vail-Kile, Elliott Cannon,

Elias Vail-Kile, and Parker Cannon.

Most recently her cherished companion has been her dog, River. Visits from long-

time friends Jane Houston, Carol Donath, and Mahan and Laura Archer meant a lot

 to her and the family. Appreciation and thanks to those whose support and caring

 assistance made it possible for Betty to stay in her home, including Mary Lee

 (Home Instead), Angie, Bethany, Kat, Kelly, Kelsie, Monica, and Pam (Daybreak

Personal Services team), and the staff of Amedysis Hospice.

A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, August 9, 2026, in celebration of Betty's

life at the First United Methodist Church Oak Ridge (1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike,

Oak Ridge, TN) with receiving of friends in the parlor from 1:30-2:00 pm. The

service will be held in the chapel at 2:00 pm with internment following at the

memorial garden there. All are then welcome at a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to one or both of these

organizations that meant a lot to Betty: Oak Ridge First United Methodist Church

(memo line Christmas Shoppes) at 1350 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN

37830 or to Shelter Animals Rescue Group (SARG) at 124 Newell Lane, Oak

Ridge, TN 37830. 

You are encouraged to share a memory of Betty and/or your personal condolences

 with her family by visiting her memorial webpage and guestbook at

 www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service of Oak

 Ridge, TN, is honored to assist the family with these arrangements.