Elizabeth (Betsy) Rider

We sadly announce that “Betsy from Otto’s”, a local radio celebrity and entrepreneur who ran Otto’s Bookstore in the heart of downtown Williamsport, has died. Elizabeth (Betsy) Rider passed away on July 10, 2026, at the age of 91.

Betsy was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on September 2, 1934, the third child of Jacob and Margaret Roesgen. In 1958, she married John Rider and together they had ten children.

She grew up working at the family business with her parents in a bookstore known locally as “Otto’s Bookstore.” After attending Saint Joseph High School, Betsy graduated in 1957 from the College of New Rochelle with a double major in Speech and English. She returned to Williamsport where, along with her husband John, she spent 65 years raising children and nurturing the family business, Otto’s.

Betsy had a great love for reading, and she enjoyed sharing her passion with the community through her bookstore. She worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and inclusive space where people of all ages and backgrounds could come together to explore the world of books.

Betsy was a true entrepreneur successfully navigating her independent family bookstore through sixty-five incredibly challenging years and earning numerous awards for the promotion of literacy. Her work ethic and determination were exemplary. Betsy’s dedication to the store was a testament to her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. She was always looking for ways to improve and grow the business, and she took great pride in the success of the bookstore under her leadership.

Betsy’s passion for family and her children was evident in her ability to integrate Otto’s events with her family. There were many events where children and grandchildren were dressed up as storybook characters for Otto’s presence in Williamsport’s parades. Whether it was a child dressed as an angel or grandchildren dressed as leprechauns, Betsy’s guiding spirit taught her children the values of family and commitment.

Betsy’s commitment to her family was also on display every Sunday after church for the family “brunch”, which continues today and will continue after her passing. She and John hosted all the children and, as the family grew, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Betsy never forgot a birthday and was certain to make or get a special cake for the recipient.

In these ways, Betsy leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and creativity that will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

Betsy will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her brother, Jack Roesgen; 10 children, John J. Rider (Karen), Peter Rider, Dave Rider (Ann), Mary Rider-Dincher (Bob), Margaret Foran (Jim), Ann Sweitzer (Tim), Bill Rider, Tom Rider, Sara Mirabito (Rick), and Jim Rider (Trish); 17 grandchildren, Russell Rider (Angie); Rachel, Elizabeth, and Laura Rider; Joe and Mary Kate Rider; Casey and Charlie Piccolo; Christian Dincher; Celina, Ryan, and Rory Foran; Timmy Sweitzer; Rocco Mirabito; John, Jasper, Conan, and Sebastian Rider; and 6 great grandchildren, Kaden, Olivia, and Dante Rider, and Griffin, Simon, and John Piccolo. “See a lot of good can come from so many children.” – Betsy.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Boniface Church on July 29, 2026, at 10 a.m. Friends and family are invited to attend and pay their respects to Betsy and her family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that acts of kindness be done in Betsy’s memory.

To share a memory or sign an online register book, please visit www.crousefuneralhome.com.