In loving memory of

Bette Etter 07/30/2019
January 2, 1927 - July 30, 2019

Bette M. Bousum Etter, 92, of Marshalltown, IA, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019, at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook, IA. Funeral Services will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, August 3, 2019, at Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown, with Rev. Tom Bower officiating. Visitation will be 12:00 p.m., until the time of the services, at the funeral home. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown where she will finally join her high school sweetheart and husband, Bill. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.

Bette was born January 2, 1927, in Marshalltown to Sadie Mae and Earl Bousum. She was a graduate of Marshalltown High School. Bette was united in marriage to William "Bill" Etter on February 12, 1947, in Rome, NY, where Bill was in the service. She and Bill moved with Fisher Governor Company to McKinney, TX, to help set up the plant there. They also went to Maidstone, England, for a year with Fisher Controls. They attended the First United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown. Bette was very active in the community and was a member of TTT, Beta Sigma Phi, Century Club, PEO, and the Marshall County Republicans. As the mother of five, she supported and volunteered with the Little League, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the MHS Marching Bands. Bette was very creative throughout her life and taught cake decorating classes for many years through Iowa Valley Continuing Education. She also quilted (received two first place ribbons at the Iowa State Fair), knitted, crocheted, sewed, and made stained glass windows. She and Bill were in bridge clubs and both loved playing cards and domino games.

Bette will be missed by her children: Susan (David) Gray of Center Point, TX, Brad (Connie) Etter of Marshalltown, Robin (Marlys) Etter of Washta, IA, Janine "Jenny" Etter of Marshalltown, and Wes "Mad Dog" Etter of Des Moines, IA; her sister, Gwen Johnson of El Cajon, CA; 12 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mae and Earl Bousum, her husband, Bill Etter, sisters Laura (Raymond) Gummert, Delores (Al) Warden, and brother Robert "Bob" (Jean) Bousum, brother-in-law Don Johnson, daughter-in-law Shelley Hadsal Etter, and family member Brian Bristol. Also, her favorite childhood dog, Peggy.

The family would like to thank the staff at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook and to Compassus Hospice Services for their love and attendance to her every need. You were all so kind. She became even more feisty and humorous in her later years and a joy to be with. She was a devoted mother, teacher, and loved by all.

Tributes

Sonya Perez wrote on Aug 7, 2019:

"I am sorry to read of Bette's passing. She was a wonderful lady with a joyful spirit. It was a pleasure knowing her. I expect she is now enjoying the full beauty of sights and sounds and dancing away with her husband an reunited friends. "

Sally Peterson wrote on Aug 2, 2019:

"Bette (and Bill) were our dear friends in McKinney. They were both such wonderful people whom we loved dearly. We're sorry for your loss, May God grant you comfort and peace ...sent with love from Sally and Pete"

Karin Brunk wrote on Aug 2, 2019:

"Brad, Connie and family, Our condolences on your loss. Loosing a parent is always difficult.... Karin and Jose"

Kathy (Nyhan) Taylor wrote on Aug 1, 2019:

"Susie, I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's death. I remember her with much fondness. Please know I am thinking of you. Kathy (Nyhan) Taylor"

Sandi Edwards wrote on Aug 1, 2019:

"So sorry and sending sympathies to Jenny and the Family. I so enjoy hearing 'Bette stories' through Jenny. "

Dave Vandeventer wrote on Aug 1, 2019:

"So many fond memories of Bette when we were young. Camping with all the familes and time spent in the Marshalltown cabin at Clear Lake. Dave Vandeventer"

Linda Walsh wrote on Aug 1, 2019:

"Our thoughts are with all of you at this time of sadness. May your happy memories give you peace and comfort. She will be missed by everyone. Shirley Appelgate Jim & Linda (Appelgate) Walsh West Palm Beach, FL"

Barbara & Duane Beichley wrote on Jul 31, 2019:

"Sending sympathy and prayers to the Etter famiiy. Bette was a gem... loved her sense of humor, quilts, and her yummy cakes! Heaven has gained a special angel ? Duane & Barbara Beichley"

Chip and Kay Finders wrote on Jul 31, 2019:

"We are so sorry to hear of Bette's passing. She was a very special lady who always had a smile for eveyone she met. I have many fond memories of her. Our condolences go out to all of you. "

Pamela Pollard Saigh wrote on Jul 31, 2019:

"Jenni, So sorry to hear about your mom. I remember her from Church. She made our wedding cake and it was exactly what we wanted! I know that my folks have good memories of spending time at different occasions with your parents."

Diana Couch wrote on Jul 31, 2019:

"Condolences to the family. I remember as a young adult sitting across from the Etter family in church. At that time I would not have guessed that Bette?s son Wes would be my brother in law. Prayers to all the family. Diana & Larry Couch"

Dianna Good wrote on Jul 30, 2019:

"Bette was a wonderful person. Took a cake decorating course from her that was so much fun. Also bought many cakes from her until I learned to do them. She sent business my way from time to time when she was already booked. ? Sending thoughts and prayers to the family from Stan and Dianna Good "

Curt/Linda Schroeder wrote on Jul 30, 2019:

"Our sympathies to the family and her friends. Bill and Bette were wonderful neighbors of ours while we lived in Marshalltown. Her life leaves a lot of special memories for anyone that knew her. Curt/Linda"