Elizabeth “Betsy” Ringel Usry

Elizabeth “Betsy” Ringel Usry was called home to be with our Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 8, 2026. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Betsy lived a life filled with adventure, creativity, and a deep, unwavering love for her family and friends.

Born in Roanoke, Virginia, to LTC Eugene Joseph Ringel and Betty Anne Trunnell, Betsy grew up with a profound love of horses. Her passion led her into show jumping and fox hunting during her youth. She attended Fairfax High School and later devoted much of her life to education, serving at St. Teresa’s in Albany and within the Lee County School System.

As part of a military family, Betsy embraced a life of movement, service, and resilience. Her childhood and early adulthood took her to Germany, Washington, Kansas, and Virginia before she ultimately found her forever home in Georgia.

In 1983, she married Robert Usry, and together they built a warm, lively home on Udderly Usry Farm in Lee County. Their farm became a haven where children ran alongside dogs, cats, horses, chickens, geese, and even peacocks. Betsy was a natural homemaker and mother, thriving amid the joyful chaos of raising four children. Her love for animals was lifelong, and every pet she welcomed became a cherished member of the family.

A devoted Catholic, Betsy lived her faith through service. She was always ready to help anyone in need and was known to take in the occasional stray—human or animal. She volunteered generously at her parish, St. Mary’s of Americus, and in numerous civic organizations.

Betsy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Eldred Usry, and daughter, Melissa Anne Carver. She is survived by her children: Douglas Michael Kahlan (Amy), Christopher Brian Kahlan (April), Jeffery Alan Kahlan (Laura), and Pete Carver (Missy). 

She leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Baylor, Emme, Bennett, Weston, Maggie, Finn, and Delani.

She is also survived by many members of the Ringel and Usry families, including Monnie and Mark Monro, David and Deborah Ringel, Butch Ringel, Martha Usry, Charlene Usry, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Service details will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to your local pet shelter—causes that reflect Betsy’s compassion and generous spirit.

1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home has been given the honor to serve the Usry family.