"Bette was one of the first people I met when my mother moved to Shorewood. She warmly introduced herself as "Bette 17," because there were 16 other Bettys on campus when she moved in. She was an absolute delight. She made everyone feel welcome with her gentle humor and quick wit. I always loved seeing her pour over the puzzle table at Shorewood and we have missed her cheerful presence at the Place. I was not surprised to read about her many volunteer activities. She had a big heart and a deep love for her family. Robin Taylor (and Diana Clutton-Taylor)"
In loving memory of
Bette Colebeck
October 29, 1925 - January 7, 2018
Bette Mae (nee Brown) Colebeck, 92, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Rochester East Health Services.
Bette was born October 29, 1925 in Rochester to Arthur and Amalia (Tietz) Brown. She was a graduate of Rochester High School class of 1943. After high school, Bette went to Washington D.C. with friends to work for the Navy Department until the end of World War II. On May 15, 1948, she married Merle Colebeck. In the 1960's, she began working part time for Rennings Flowers. Bette was generous with her time and volunteered as a cub scout den mother, grade school room mother, had over 1000 hours as a pink lady at Methodist Hospital, knitted hundreds of stocking caps for newborns in Rochester and was very active in many church circles at Homestead United Methodist Church. She loved to bake, especially homemade doughnuts, sew, knit, travel, play bridge and put jigsaw puzzles together. Bette was strong willed, with a great sense of humor and very fun to be around. She always made everyone feel special. Bette was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
She is survived by her sons, Steve (Loyola "Loy") Colebeck of Rochester, Bill (Debbie) Colebeck of Glendale, AZ; daughter, Diane Colebeck of Orem, UT; grandchildren, Loyola "Loey", Kyle, Katherine, Christopher, Julie, Michael, Bonnie, Scott; 15 great-grandchildren and 5 nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle; parents, Arthur and Amalia; step-mother, Jess (Gerlach) Brown; brother, Don; sisters, Shirley and Jeannine and step-brothers, Bill and Dick Gerlach.
The family wishes to thank Rochester East Health Services for their professionalism and care that they gave to Bette.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Pastor Luke Nelson will be officiating and burial will be held at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Homestead United Methodist Church, 6301 Bandel Rd. NW, Rochester 55901 or to Paws and Claws, 3224 19th St. NW, Rochester 55901. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"We are so sorry for your loss Steve and Loy. We send our deepest sympathies. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Joe and Shirley Roque "
"I remember Bette as such a sweet, caring woman during her many visits to see Merle at the nursing home. She was always so compassionate and patient. This was many years ago now, but I have wonderful memories. Blessed be her memory."