Like others have mentioned, Betty played a prominent roll in getting several Army officers started in their careers. She was a master of the Army bureaucracy and knew how to navigate it to make sure "Her" cadets were postured for success once they graduated from the University of Iowa. I transferred to Iowa from a small school and only had one more year of ROTC before receiving my commission. Despite that brief period (compared to cadets who experienced 4 years of Betty's mentorship and assistance) I was one of her "problem children" that required more of her attention than most. First, an Army scholarship earned at the prior college did not transfer due to a snafu. Betty worked her magic and untangled the mess to ensure that my scholarship was successfully reinstated at Iowa - with full benefits repaid to account for the four months it took for her work to unfold. Second, I as a result of a summer camp experience I had been guaranteed a slot for the Army's Helicopter Flight School. Betty, knowing how things can sometimes get "lost", did not leave anything to chance. I still have the original copy of my application for an Active Duty appointment where officers must highlight their top three branch choices. Betty using a red pen wrote at the top of my application in bold letters "GUARANTEED AVIATION BRANCH 15-1-87" to make sure that no one up the chain missed it. I looked at that paperwork a few times over my 30 year career and fondly remembered how Betty worked hard to take care of each and everyone of us - no matter how long or how well she had known us. We were so blessed to have her at the University of Iowa. She was an inspiration to us and taught us what it meant to "take care of your people." Lessons that served us well as indicated by the high number of her cadets who went on to serve successful careers. May God bless her soul and comfort her family.

I commissioned before I graduated, and Mrs. Fisher was my lifeline between college and Army life in the months between. All the paperwork to get me set up for Officer Basic Course and everything else required were all due to her knowledge, experience, and hard work! I wonder how many of us would not have made it to the Army if not for her! She was truly a Force Multiplier and a national asset! God Bless You, Mrs. Fisher, and may God comfort your family.

Betty was the Iowa Army ROTC ‘Den Mother’ for several generations of students!

She embraced all of us like we were her own children and guided us through the paperwork and bureaucracy in our quest to become Army Officers. Often, she’d have to get us back in line when we were tardy with paperwork or ask us about our current grades in our other courses. How’d she know when we were slacking off?

In the pre-Internet days, promotion lists were printed in the Army Times weekly publication. You would walk into the office and see Betty reviewing the names on the pages with a ruler and red pen; highlighting all the Iowa graduates. Upon finding one, she’d exclaim pride in their selection for advancement. More than often, she’d know where they were stationed and other tidbits about them.

May God hold Betty in his arms and continue to comfort her family.

Mrs Fisher was the cornerstone of the University of Iowa Army ROTC program! She was the first friendly face I met when I was looking to join the program. Her smiling face, friendly demeanor welcomed many young college students into the Army ROTC program, who went onto become commissioned officers, and leaders in our communities and nation.

We all have themed “Betty Fisher” stories highlighting her character, professionalism, and unconditional love. We are each grateful she gave a bit of herself to us through the Army ROTC, and have shared our / her stories when reunited at duty assignments, deployments, or on travel. Many of us would not have graduated, become an U.S. Army commissioned officer, or developed our lifelong friendships with each other if it was not for Mrs. Betty Fisher!

Celebrating Life!

Thank You to the Mrs Betty Fisher Family!

Thank you Mrs Betty Fisher for all that you gave!

I first met Betty Fisher during the fall semester of 1982. I was a shy, country kid who came to the big city to get educated. I was in classes larger in numbers than my high school. It was a huge new world for me and often times, too huge. I felt lost in the beginning stage of this new life. I found ROTC to be very different than other classes. Small in numbers. I knew everyone's name by the end of the first class. My instructor greeted me by my first name as I walked into the second class; something no other class offered. If the term "Iowa nice" existed in the fall of 1982, Mrs. Fisher would be the poster woman. She was firm, but fair. She told you exactly what you needed to know and do to be successful. I recall engaging in conversations quite often when I was in the Fieldhouse. I don't recall leaving the building unless we had at least a brief conversation. She was pleasant with everyone...unless that person needed 'tough love'. I recall one conversation about her family. As she spoke, I felt as though she treated all of us (cadets) as her children...to a degree. Our successes were her successes. Our failures...well, were an opportunity for her to provide some parental guidance for future improvement. She was a special lady indeed. A lady filled with joy and grace. I am proud to know her. I am so glad I can look back on the beginning of my military career and see her fingerprints all over the paperwork. You will be missed by all who knew you, Mrs. Fisher. God Bless you!!

I met Mrs. Fisher (as I knew her) when I joined Army ROTC at Iowa in the fall of 1983. For the next four and a half years she was one of the most valuable advisors, friends, and mentors I could hope to have. I have no doubt many other graduates of the Army ROTC program during her tenure would say the same thing. We were all her "kids" and she provided insights and advice based on her years of experience with the program. She was far more than the term secretary implies; she was a true professional executive assistant long before the phrase became popular. I will never forget the kindness she showed to me and all my fellow cadets and my heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.

I love you Grandma I'm going to miss those peanut butter balls that you made and the salsa and are phone calls love you Rest in peace