Betty Barbara Briggs

COLUMBIA — Betty Barbara Briggs, of Bloomington, Ind., formerly of Macon, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at Redbud Hills Retirement Community. She was 81.
Ms. Briggs was born Sept. 7, 1926, in Macon to Frank P. and Catherine (Shull) Briggs. Her father was the owner and publisher of the Macon Chronicle-Herald for 49 years as well as mayor of Macon. In 1945, he was chosen to replace HarryS. Truman as U.S. senator after Truman became vice president.
Ms. Briggs was a member of the Anne Helm Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was active in the Redbud Hills Retirement Community Choir. She was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Macon.
Ms. Briggs is survived by her sister, Ruth Briggs Bratek, a professor emeritus of MU’s School of Journalism, of Bloomington, Ind.; brother-in-law, Michael Ramon of Chico, Calif.; sister-in-law, Marjorie Briggs of Lake Oswego, Ore.; and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents, two brothers Thomas and Eugene Briggs, and sister, Dorothy Ramon, died earlier.
A memorial service will be held at Redbud Hills Retirement Community, 3211 E. Moores Pike Road, Bloomington, Ind., at a date to be announced. Burial will be at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Fayette. Arrangements are being handled by Allen Funeral Home, 3000 E. Third St., Bloomington, Ind.

-- CHAD DAY