Elizabeth Louise (Betty) Erskine Yanik, 85, of Chattanooga, TN, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
She was the first child born to Scottish and Austrian immigrants Alexander Boag Erskine and Maria Weinhofer Erskine on June 14, 1940, in Stamford, Conn.
Betty graduated from Stamford High School in 1958 and from Mayville, ND. State College with both a two-year standard diploma in 1963 and a B.S. in elementary education and a minor in elementary vocal music in 1967.
She was an elementary teacher for nine years - second grade for three years in Edmore, ND. from 1963 to 1966 and third grade for three years in Ridgefield, CT. from 1967 to 1970 and another three years in Ansonia, CT. from 1970 to 1973 after she married and before starting her family.
On June 27, 1970, Betty married John Joseph Yanik of Darien, CT. at the Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church in Ridgefield, CT. Their first child, Karen Joan, was born in 1974 and their second child, David John, in 1976, both in Derby, CT. Their third child, Michael Paul, was born in 1978 in East Ridge, TN.
The family had moved to Chattanooga in 1977 when John accepted a position with TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) after graduating from the the University of New Haven with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. Betty was a stay-at-home mom for 19 years. She was very active in the children’s activities which included Scouts, ballet/tap lessons, ball games, school programs, church programs, piano recitals, and band and orchestra concerts.
John died of colon cancer on Feb. 27, 1989. Three years later Betty went to work for BlueCross (BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee) in June 1992 and retired in April 2010 after almost 18 years of service.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, of 18 years, her youngest son Michael Paul Yanik in 2022, middle brother Alexander (Sandy) Boag Erskine, Jr in 2025, youngest brother John Albert Erskine in 2014, her youngest niece, Heather Erskine Petruzielo in 2013, and an unborn sibling in 1944.
Survivors include one daughter, Karen (Darren) Moore of Ooltewah, TN, one son, David (Katie) Yanik of Ooltewah, TN, seven grandchildren, Ashlyn, Andrew and Caden Yanik of Cleveland and Madison, Abigail and Nathan Yanik of LaFayette, GA, and Ethan Yanik of Cohutta, GA, Step-Granddaughter Laurel Moore of Sylacauga, AL, Step-grandson Hunter (Shelby) Ray of Sylacauga, AL, three step-great grandchildren, three nieces, one nephew, two great-nieces, four great-nephews and two great-great nieces and several cousins.
Betty was a member of Christ United Methodist Church since 2005, having previously being a member of Tyner UMC since 1980 where she was in the Chancel Choir, Celebration Ringers, and Ruth Circle, while also raising her children in the Christian faith. She had been active in several senior activities at Christ UMC and a charter member of the senior adult choir “Joyful Sounds” where they would go out and sing at retirement homes. In later years, when her grandchildren were born, she would bring them to church with her at Christ UMC. She also attended the BCBST Retirees luncheons. At home she enjoyed reading, watching movies from her vast DVD collection, working on photo albums and genealogy, in addition to enjoying visits from her beloved grandchildren.
In December 2020 she was happy to move to Hickory Valley Retirement just a few miles from the house she lived in for 43 years and thoroughly enjoyed herself living in independent living. She made many new friends and enjoyed all the activities up until her diagnosis of esophageal cancer July 2024. She enjoyed the time she had left after her diagnosis, spending time with friends and family.
Special thanks to Dr. Yates at Galen Digestive Health who found the cancer, the staff at Tennessee Oncology, the staff of Gentiva Hospice, the sitters with Preferred Care, and the staff at Hickory Valley Retirement for all their wonderful care.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in the funeral home chapel with Pastor David Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens-East. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Visit the online obituary www.heritagechattanooga.com to post tributes and share memories.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel.