SCU Family Mourns the Loss of Betty Renth

The Scott Credit Union family is mourning the loss of former long-term Board Chair Betty Renth, who passed away on August 31, 2020. A resident of New Baden, Betty retired from the SCU Board of Directors in 2016 after serving as a Director and Chairman of the Board for over 60 years. She began her volunteer service in 1955, assuming the role of Board Chair in 1971. Betty was a driving force in the credit union’s growth and development over that time.

Scott Credit Union President & CEO Frank Padak had the following comments to say about Betty’s profound impact on the credit union:

“It is with great sadness that we are mourning the loss of someone who played an iconic role in our success for six decades. It’s hard to put into words the impact that Betty had on Scott Credit Union over her years of volunteer service. Betty was a tough but fair leader who never flinched when confronted with an issue and never backed down. If there was a point to be made, she made it. If there was an argument to be had, she jumped in headfirst. As tough as she was, she was also very fair and reasonable. All too often people make decisions based upon their own experiences, needs, or expectations. Betty always knew that it wasn’t about her and what she needed or expected, but that it was about our members.

As times changed- and during her 60 plus years they changed a lot- so did Betty. Just the change in technology and how we deliver our services could have easily been overwhelming. But Betty always accepted that technology and how we do business was evolving and she embraced and supported those changes. Although it might have been almost foreign and certainly uncomfortable, she knew our members would benefit from these strategic decisions.

Betty was an inspiration, a mentor and friend to many people over the years here at Scott Credit Union. She truly defined the excellence we want Scott Credit Union to achieve each and every day.“

Betty received national and state recognition for her dedication and service to SCU and the credit union industry. Starting in 1988, she served two three-year terms on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Credit Union Chairmen. In 1997, Betty was awarded the Spirit of Service Award and named Volunteer of the Year by the Illinois Credit Union System. She was inducted into the Illinois Credit Union Hall of Fame in 2002.

In 2005, Betty was honored during the national annual convention of the National Center for Credit Unions as a second runner up for the Director of the Year Award. The award was a national contest to acknowledge the work of the top three credit union directors in the nation. In 2006, Betty was inducted into the Defense Credit Union Council Hall of Honor. The Hall of Honor was established to acknowledging individuals whose exceptional contributions over the years have made a significant difference in the defense credit union community.

In 2008, Renth was inducted into Who’s Who in America’s Credit Unions. She was honored among the top leaders for her accomplishments and service in the credit union industry. Who’s Who in America’s Credit Unions annually recognizes those who have contributed most to the nation’s credit union movement.

In 2012, Scott Credit Union’s state-of-the-art Home Office building was named the Betty Renth Building. Upon her retirement in 2016, Betty was presented with a lifetime achievement award to mark her years of service as a leader, in addition to being elected as an Emeritus Director of Scott Credit Union’s Board.

Betty’s service to Scott Credit Union set a standard of excellence and dedication that will likely be unmatched. We were extremely fortunate to have Betty as a leader in our organization.