Bette J. Wilson, age 82, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2010, in the Palliative Care Unit of University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Prior to that Bette resided at Walnut Grove Assisted Living in Middleton, Wisconsin.

 Bette was born on May 22, 1928 in Boscobel, WI, the daughter of Earl A. and Lillian Allene (Anderson) Ray.

 Bette married Raymond C. Mueller on July 20, 1946, in Dubuque, IA. Together Bette and Ray made their home in Richland Center, WI, raising four children: Jon, Sally, Sandy and Sue. Their home on West 4^th Street was the central hub of many happy family occasions. Ray passed away after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on April 28, 1991.

 On December 4, 1993, Bette married Delos T. Wilson at Peace United Methodist Church, in Richland Center, WI. They had a short, but wonderful marriage. Delos passed away on December 16, 1995.

 In addition to being an excellent cook and homemaker, Bette was employed as a seamstress at O’Brien Brothers in Richland Center, WI. After retiring from O’Briens, she volunteered at the Richland Center Public Library. She was proud of her work at the library and enjoyed the friendships made while volunteering. Bette loved decorating her home for every holiday. She enjoyed birds, flowers, gardening, reading, country music, and watching the Badgers, Packers and Brewers. She especially enjoyed traveling throughout the United States.

 In addition to being preceded in death by her husbands, Bette was preceded in death by her parents and sister Dorothy Truman and Lorraine Drury.

 Bette is survived by her children, Jon Mueller of Wonewoc, WI, Sally (Al) Syens of Madison,WI, Sandra Walsh (Tom Stafford) of Spring Green, WI and Sue (Rich) Schwenn, of Madison, WI; six grandchildren, Tamara (Trent) Hellenbrand, Deena (Andy) Cortright, Greg Brickl, Nicholas (Tamera) Brickl, Krista (Mike) Rick, Phillip Mueller, 11 great-grandchildren and her brother Carl Ray of Massachusetts. Bette is also survived by a very special friend Horace Boise of Richland Center, WI.

 Bette’s family would like to send their appreciation and heartfelt thanks to all of her caregivers at Walnut Grove Assisted Living, UW Health Hospital, and the Palliative Care Unit. Each of you who helped care for Bette have truly been Angels on Earth! Thank you for the fabulous care you provided our Mom and for the peace of mind your care gave to our family.

 At Bette’s request there will not be a funeral service. Bette’s family will join together for a private celebration of her life on Friday. Stafford Funeral Home in Richland Center is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Life is but a stopping place,

A pause in what’s to be,

A resting place along the road,

To sweet eternity.

We all have different journeys,

Different paths along the way,

We all were meant to learn some things,

But never meant to stay…

Our destination is a place,

Far greater than we know.

For some the journey’s quicker,

For some the journey’s slows.

And when the journey finally ends,

We’ll claim a great reward,

And find an everlasting peace,

Together with the Lord.