Elizabeth "Betty" Adams Malenke (nee Alderfer), Reverend, of New Oxford, fulfilled her days on May 22, 2025 at the age of 97.  She was born on June 11, 1927 in Montgomery County to the Reverend Alvin S. Alderfer and Gertrude Adams Alderfer.

She was married to John R. Malenke "Jack" with a 72-year long partnership.  The poet, Carl Sandburg, wrote: "Is there a way of measuring love? Yes but not till long afterward, when the beat of your heart has gone many miles, far into the big numbers."  Betty and Jack were far into the big numbers.

Betty was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth R. Malenke, her parents, and her sister, Ruth Dixon, as well as nieces and nephews and many other family and friends.  In addition to her husband, she is also survived by her grandson, Jackson W. Malenke.

She was a graduate of Juanita College.  She was an elementary school teacher and obtained a Masters degree in education from Temple University. She received a call to the ministry in her middle-age and then obtained a Masters in Divinity.  She grew up in the Church of the Brethren, as the daughter of a Brethren minister and it was in the church she met, Jack.  Even during the years she was teaching, she devoted much of her life in service to the church and it's people, including leading choirs, singing, teaching, serving on committees, not only in congregations, but also on the district level and beyond, she also provided pastoral care in congregations in the Pottstown area and then moved to New Oxford for a position as a chaplain at The Brethren Home at Cross Keys Village.  She also led the Villagers Choir.  She was so much more than her achievements, as those who loved her know.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Betty's memory can be made to the church at Africa Great Lakes.  Donations should be made to the Southern Pennsylvania District Office at 3375 Carlisle Road, Suite A, Gardners, PA 17324.  Please include "Betty Malenke and Africa Great Lakes" on the memo line.

A memorial service to celebrate Betty's long life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the Nicarry Meetinghouse at Cross Keys Village, New Oxford, PA.  Interment will be private at East Coventry Mennonite Cemetery in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  Feiser Funeral Home, Inc., 302 Lincoln Way West, New Oxford, is in charge of arrangements.  Memories may be shared at www.feiserfuneralhome.com.