Elizabeth “Betsy” Runyon Marcellus, 70, of Hamilton, New York, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on April 23, 2026. She was born on July 5, 1955, in Norwich, New York, to the late Dick and Grace Runyon of Sherburne.
Betsy graduated from Sherburne-Earlville Central School in 1973 and went on to attend St. Joseph’s College of Nursing in Elmira, New York, where she earned her degree in 1976 and became a Registered Nurse. Just one week after graduating, she married Donald Marcellus on June 19, 1976, a partnership that would span a lifetime of love, hard work, and devotion.
She began her nursing career at Community Memorial Hospital in Hamilton in 1976, where her compassion and care touched the lives of many. Throughout her life, Betsy was known for her unwavering work ethic and her willingness to put others first. She worked alongside her husband in all chapters of life and was his biggest supporter in all his ventures. While working at the hospital, she also helped to run the Marcellus family farm on Cranston Road in Earlville. Soon after, she and Don took ownership of Madison Granite Works in Madison, which they operated for nearly 25 years. No matter the role, Betsy approached everything she did with strength and dedication.
Betsy also served as a substitute school nurse in the Madison and Hamilton school districts for several years. In 2002, she found a special place at Hamilton Central School, first as a teacher’s assistant and then as the school nurse, where she cared for the students, faculty, and staff with kindness, patience, and a reassuring presence until her retirement in 2022.
In her spare time, Betsy enjoyed sewing, quilting, and knitting, often creating pieces that became treasured keepsakes for those she loved. She was a long-standing parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hamilton. Above all, Betsy’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished every moment spent together, whether traveling, camping, boating, or cheering on her grandchildren at their many academic and athletic events. Whether it was a quiet afternoon or a busy day surrounded by loved ones, Betsy found happiness in being with her family and her beloved dog, Munson.
Betsy is survived by her husband Don, her daughter Emily Marcellus Freeth, her son-in-law Andrew, and her grandchildren Teddy and Eloise. She is survived by her siblings Patty (Jay) Whipple of Hamilton, Peggy (Gary) Elliott of The Villages, Florida, Rick (Cindy) Runyon of Norwich, and Charlie Runyon of Fairport. She is also survived by her in-laws Lois Marcellus of Hamilton, Jim (Leslie) Marcellus of Vernon, Jerry (Heidi Baker) Marcellus of Earlville, Mark Marcellus of Earlville, and Mike (Wendy) Marcellus of Earlville, along with her aunt, Sallie Runyon Jones, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial mass and interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family with internment at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Hamilton.
In honor of Betsy’s life, memorial contributions may be made to the Hamilton Fire Department (121 Lebanon St., Hamilton, NY 13346) or the Hubbardsville Fire Department (8162 Green Road, Hubbardsville, NY 13355).
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 25 Broad St., Hamilton, NY 13346.
To send a condolence online, please visit www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com