On May 25, 2026, the world lost a Gem, though heaven gained an Angel.

Elizabeth Ann Robey passed away at the age of 94 after a wonderful life filled with love, faith, and devotion to family.

Betty was born in Peoria, Illinois, on March 1, 1932, to Emil and Helen Henrich. She and her older brother Emil were 'practically' raised at Geier Florists, the family business in Peoria, where they learned from an early age the value of hard work, community, and the timeless art of growing flowers from seed. As a teenager, she could often be found behind the wheel of a Suburban, delivering floral arrangements to help mark life's special moments for families throughout town.

After high school, Betty remained in Peoria and earned a degree in Home Economics from Bradley University … and then took it to the next level. With a smile that could light up a room coupled with exceptional culinary skills, she bloomed in her new role as host of the televised cooking show "Easy Does It." In time, she was introduced to Lee Robey, who was completely smitten from the moment he saw her. He won her heart, and the rest, as they say, is history. They married on August 24, 1957, and together built a loving home for their three sons: John, Paul, and Matthew.

Lee's career with IBM took the family first to Grand Blanc, Michigan, and later to New Canaan, Connecticut. Wherever life took them, Betty created a warm and welcoming home grounded in faith and love. When not in her garden or whipping up a batch of "Grandma Henrich's World Famous German Potato Salad," you could find her volunteering at church, school, or leading a Cub Scout meeting. Not one to sit on the sidelines, she fly-fished, hiked, and cross-country skied with the best of them at their family home in Vermont. As the boys grew older, she and Lee embraced tennis and golf, and perhaps her greatest athletic achievement was breaking 90 at Pinehurst. She could give lessons on how to hit 'em straight and stay out of trouble!

After Lee retired from IBM, the couple moved to Savannah, Georgia, where they enjoyed their retirement years together. The family expanded to include their beloved grandchildren: Ben, Connor, Tara, and Kyle. The four fondly recall lively card games, rounds of Monopoly, Grandmother's hot fudge sauce, and her yummy chocolate chip cookies.

Betty is lovingly remembered by her sons: John; Paul, and his wife Gordana; Matt and his wife Pam; and their four grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lee; her parents, Emil and Helen;  her brother, Emil, and sister-in-law, Joan.

We, the family, would like to especially thank the caregivers and support staff at the Meadow Ridge memory care unit in Redding, CT, as well as the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association, for their compassionate care over the last year. While lovingly tending to Betty, they also cared for us.

A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10 AM at St. Patrick's Church in Redding, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Alzheimer's Association, Connecticut Chapter: https://www.alz.org/ct and spread kindness in honor of Betty.