Betty Lou Elrod remembered for life of devotion to Ouachita and family
September 13, 2018
- OBU News Bureau
Betty Lou Elrod, age 87, passed away on September 12, 2018. She was the beloved wife
of the recently deceased former president and longtime chancellor of Ouachita Baptist
University, Dr. Ben M. Elrod.
Mrs. Elrod is remembered for her lifelong devotion to her husband throughout his lasting
legacy of leadership and service at Ouachita and during his decade as president and
beyond. She worked tirelessly alongside him with joy and encouragement throughout
his numerous leadership accomplishments.
“With the passing of Betty Elrod so soon after Ben Elrod, the Ouachita family extends
our deepest condolences to their family during these days,” said Ouachita President
Ben Sells. “Mrs. Elrod was appreciated for her gracious and warm hospitality that
made people feel welcomed and valued, whether it was in their home or on the Ouachita
campus. Together they served and loved this university community that continues to
impact generations of alumni. We’ll be forever grateful for their service.”
The Board of Trustees named Ouachita’s Ben M. Elrod Center for Family and Community
in Dr. Elrod’s honor upon his retirement as president. The new Elrod Center was dedicated
in 2015 as a further recognition of their life of commitment to servant leadership,
volunteerism and community service.
“Mrs. Elrod was totally supportive of her husband in his leadership role,” reflected
Ian Cosh, vice president for community and international engagement and director of
the Elrod Center. “Each time I visited them in retirement she was interested in and
encouraging of the center’s mission to equip a new generation of students to serve.”
Mrs. Elrod was born in Smackover, Ark., to the late Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Warren. As
a 1952 graduate of Ouachita, she was awarded the distinguished alumna award in 1998
in recognition of her service to the university and her devotion to the institution.
Dr. and Mrs. Elrod were honored by the university community in 2009 with the dedication
of Ben and Betty Elrod Boulevard, which was designed as the main entrance to campus
from Highway 7.
Mrs. Elrod also served alongside Dr. Elrod, an ordained minister, when he pastored
churches in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma as well as president of Oakland City College
in Indiana, Georgetown College in Kentucky and Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and
Universities. She was remembered to be vivacious, witty and impeccably dressed and
famous for her delectable chocolate cake. She had an insatiable love of all things
sweet – especially chocolate!
Mrs. Elrod is survived by her daughter, Cindy Elrod Stroud; son, Bill Elrod; four
grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Earl Warren; and sister-in-law,
Patt. She was predeceased by her husband, Ben Elrod; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.
T. Warren; and her brother, Bill Warren.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, at 11 a.m. at
First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, Ark. Visitation will take place following the
conclusion of the service in the Fellowship Hall. Donations in honor of her life may
be made to the Elrod Center for Family and Community at Ouachita Baptist University,
OBU Box 3790, Arkadelphia, AR 71998.
September 13, 2018
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