"Dear cousins! Sending our thoughts and prayers! Your mom (my "auntie Bette") lived as a true example of love and compassion! I always enjoyed our visits with her and and the rest of you as a kid and as we grew into adulthood! Her smile is truly a glimpse of God and I am so proud to be called her niece! I know she will be missed, but lived a wonderful life full of joy! Love, Christine and Bob Jorgensen"
In loving memory of
Bette Jane Williams
September 9, 1927 - December 30, 2011
Bette Jane Williams age 84 of Rochester passed away in Rochester Friday December 30, 2011. Born September 9, 1927 in Minneapolis, MN to Harold and Cecelia (Swan) Brooks. As an infant her family moved to Mankato where she grew up and attended and graduated from high school. Bette worked for Bell Telephone Company for several years. She then became involved in child care and cared for various doctor's children in the Rochester area as their parents traveled. She loved caring for these children and became known as Grandma Bette to many children. She enjoyed playing piano, was very artistic with both painting and writing poetry. She and her late husband so enjoyed their daily bike rides. She was involved in PTA and served in various capacities while her children were young. She and her late husband also enjoyed the Sixty Club which was a dance club that held Saturday night dances. After her own children were grown she became involved at and worked several years with the Children's Place in Rochester. She was a member of Homestead United Methodist Church. On May 10, 1950 she married Vernon Charles Williams and he preceded her in death July 29, 1993. Surviving her are her four children, Nancy Jo Wilson, and Judi Williams both of Rochester, Tom L. Williams (wife Kelly Brown) of Falcon Heights, MN and David J. Williams (wife Mary Beth) of Eden Prairie, MN. Five grandchildren: Elizabeth Wilson, Michael Williams, Sean Williams, Trever Williams, and Ryan Williams. One sister: Donna Johnson (husband Don) of Seattle, WA and a sister-in-law: Gerri Brooks of Faribault, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband, four brothers, and one sister. Memorial services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Homestead United Methodist Church 400 13th Ave SE Rochester, MN. A lunch and time of fellowship will follow the services. Private family burial will take place at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials appreciated to Bette Williams Family1437 Graham Ct. S.E., Rochester, MN 55904 or a donation to your favorite charity to advance the life of a young child in Bette's memory. Arrangements entrusted to Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901
507-289-3600 www.ranframzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Dear Nancy Jo, Judi and family, I have known Bette for many years as I worked closely with her at The Childrens Place and have kept a close friendship with her over the years since then. I moved to Fl. a few years ago but always enjoyed our visits over coffee in the summertime when I returned to Rochester. I will miss her dearly. She was very special to me. She was also very special to many children that she took such loving care of over the years. She was one of a kind. I will always think of her as a friend and remember her laughter."
"Bette had a wonderful spirit, I will always remember her smile and her great way with kids -- especially her help back when I got married in Rochester. My family and I send our deepest sympathies to Bette's family, Kathleen Swan"
"Dear Williams family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Bryan & I fondly remember how your parents would open their home to the young (age 20-something) musicians on Christmas Eve where musicians & significant others would come together around 10:30 pm at the Williams home after our family Christmas Eve celebrations. Always gracious & welcoming. Losing a parent is tough. Love & prayers to all of you. Bryan & Joan"