Washington and Lee, community mourn passing of 'Betty Bookstore'
Elizabeth Evans "Betty" Munger, founder of the Rockbridge Regional Library, former manager of Washington and Lee University's bookstore, and developer of Boxerwood Gardens, died in State College, Pa., on March 26. She was 91.
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| "Betty Bookstore" made many contributions to W&L during her time as bookstore manager. (Washington and Lee Univesity) |
Munger moved to Lexington in 1941 with her husband, Dr. Robert S. Munger. An active member of the community, she founded the local chapter of the League of Women Voters and served as head of the Botetourt-Rockbridge Library System, the region's first real public library.
Munger became the manager of the W&L bookstore in 1967, a job she held for 16 years. In addition to her membership in other associations, Munger was president of the Virginia College Stores Association. In 1973, Munger won the Ring-tum Phi Award from the student newspaper for her contributions to W&L.
Professor Holt Merchant graduated from W&L in 1961 and has been teaching at the university for 38 years. Recalling many of Munger's contributions to the W&L and Lexington communities, Merchant described her as a wonderful lady.
"She was a real character," said Merchant. "Students called her 'Red Betty' because she was very liberal and very outspoken in her thoughts."
In 1951, the Mungers bought and built their home on a large tract they named Boxerwood. Dr. Munger extensively landscaped the property. After his death in 1988, Betty continued the work, and in 1997, under new owners, Boxerwood Nature Center & Woodland Garden opened to the public.
On the Boxerwood Education Association Web site, partner Hunter Mohring posted an appreciation of Munger. Though Munger denied playing an active role in establishing the garden, Mohring notes that "Betty planted the BEA."
She is survived by three children: Dr. Robert S. Munger III of Lee, N.H.; Christopher E. Munger of Pembrooke; and Sally Munger Mann of Lexington; and four grandchildren.
Boxerwood will hold a memorial "walkabout" on Sunday from 2–5:30 p.m. Contributions in Munger's memory may be made to the Betty Munger Garden Fund, Foxdale Village, 500 E. Marylyn Ave., State College, PA 16801, or to the Boxerwood Education Association, 963 Ross Road, Lexington, VA 24450.
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