CANASTOTA . . .

Elizabeth M. "Betty" Cox, 95, of Canastota, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Bethany Gardens Skilled Living Center, Rome, after failing health for several years.

She was born on March 29, 1930, in El Reno, OK, the daughter of the late William and Emma (Haas) Burdo.

Betty lived in Canastota most of her life, graduating from Canastota High School in 1947, and the Crouse Irving School of Nursing in 1950, and attended Syracuse University. She lived in Sherrill for fourteen years, before becoming a resident of Bethany Gardens in 2022.

She became a Registered Nurse, and worked at the former Lenox Memorial Hospital in Canastota for several years. Betty later became a Public Health Nurse, and worked for the Madison County Public Health Department in Wampsville from 1959-1986, when she retired.

Betty enjoyed traveling, and spending time at her lake house with family, especially her grandchildren.

She married Theodore R. "Ted" Cox on July 27, 1963, in New Milford, PA. Ted passed away on February 13, 2008.

Surviving are: one son, David Perry and Daniel Liberatore of Stoddard, NH; one daughter, Jacquelyn and Bernard Bayne of Oneida; two stepdaughters, Christine and Peter Villari, and Felicia and Douglas Fesenger, all of Canastota; one stepdaughter-in-law, Susan Cox of Rome; thirteen grandchildren, including Sarah and Jeffrey Clark, and Samantha Bayne and Timothy Ross; thirteen great grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Betty was predeceased by two stepsons, Philip Cox, and Nathan Cox; one stepgrandson, Philip Cox, Jr.; and one stepgranddaughter, Olivia Cox.

Calling hours will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 1 p.m. following the calling hours. The Rev. William M. Wilcox will officiate. Spring burial will be in Verona Cemetery.

In her memory, contributions may be made to Wanderers' Rest Humane Association, Inc., PO Box 535, Canastota, NY 13032, or to Clear Path for Veterans, 1223 Salt Springs Road, Chittenango, NY 13037, with envelopes available at the funeral home.