Elizabeth (Bettie) Ott

Bettie Ott, Wife of Former Macon Telegraph Editor and Knight-Ridder Executive Elizabeth (Bettie) Manning Ott, 89, of Macon, Georgia passed away September 7, 2014, following an extended illness. Mrs. Ott was born September 14, 1924 in Moultrie, Georgia, the only daughter of Nora Gibbs Manning and Ambrose Haulsey Manning. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 38 years, William Anthony Ott, Sr., her son, Robert Haulsey Ott, and her granddaughter, Mary Frances Ott. She will be deeply missed by her loving family including children William Anthony Ott, Jr.(former spouse Mary Kay Bryan) of Macon, J. Warren Ott (Claire) of Atlanta, John Manning Ott (Lisa) of Monroe, Joseph Henderson Ott (former spouse Wendy Keith-Ott) of Decatur, Elizabeth (Bettie) Ott Negley (Cary) of Savannah, and Carolyn Ott Curran (Bill) of Penfield, New York. Mrs. Ott is also survived by seventeen grandchildren, three of their spouses, and four great grandchildren. Mrs. Ott graduated from Agnes Scott College with a double major in math and physics. She and her future husband, William A. Ott, fell in love when they both worked for their hometown newspaper, the Moultrie Observer. They married on June 9, 1951 and lived in several areas of the United States as they raised their family and followed his promotions at Knight-Ridder Newspapers, Inc. Mrs. Ott dedicated herself to raising her large family and cherished her children and their families. She often said in her later years, "My children have been my greatest blessing!" She passed on her deep love of music to her children and grandchildren. She was a gifted vocalist in her church choirs, the Chautauqua Opera Chorus, Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, Akron Symphony Chorus, and San Francisco Symphony Chorus. As a member of numerous boards and philanthropic organizations during her life, she had a positive impact on each community. She served on the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Hope Rehabilitation Board, Hope Finance Committee, San Jose Symphony Board, Opera San Jose Board, San Jose Symphony Auxiliary Board, Los Gatos UMC Finance Committee, D.A.R., Ohio Ballet Women's Committee, Florida Philharmonic Guild, Museum of Arts & Sciences in Macon, and United Way Agency. Mrs. Ott returned to live in Macon, Georgia in 2001 to be closer to family and friends. She enjoyed traveling, genealogy, reading, journaling, puzzles, needlework, and walking. The family thanks the staff of Carlyle Place's Cambridge Court and Harrington House, as well as Sheila Hamm and Charry Walker for their wonderful loving care of Mrs. Ott. A Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, September 14th, 3:00pm at Vineville United Methodist Church, Macon Georgia. The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00pm at Vineville UMC on that day. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to the charity of your choice. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.