Elizabeth J. "Bette" Kent Willmeth was born Dec. 3, 1932, in Steamboat Springs, Colo. Bette was the third of four children born to Ansel (Ruth) Bartsch Kent. She passed away Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, at Mitchell County Hospital in Beloit, Kan.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; her parents; and a brother and a sister.
The Kent family moved to Jewell soon after Bette was born and Bette always considered Jewell to be home. Bette loved to travel and explore new places, but the return home to Jewell was always the best part of a destination.
On Sept. 23, 1951, Bette was united in marriage to Richard "Dick" Willmeth. Bette was active in the Jewell community and was always willing to lend a hand or bake a pie if needed. Bette was an avid reader. Because of this interest, Bette also had an active interest in the Jewell Library and served terms on the Jewell Library Board. Bette was a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star.
Music always was a very central part of Bette's life. She loved singing and sang in her church choir. While Bette had many interests, both in and out of the home, she always said all she ever wanted was to be a wife and mother.
Bette is survived by her children, Marsha (Steve) Bartsch, of Jewell, and Lakewood, Colo., Jack (Dona) Willmeth, of Seneca, and Connie (Monty) George, of Lakewood, Colo.; seven grandchildren, Megan Bartsch (Mark Hampel), Lawrin Bartsch, Breanne (Reid) Johnson, Luke Polack, Jake Polack, Kent and Dawson Willmeth. There are three great-grandsons, Gavin, Maddox, and Jacoby Johnson. Also surviving is her brother, Fred (Alice) Kent, of Demming, N.M. Bette also is survived by many nieces and nephews, of whom she was very fond.
There will be a visitation from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at Kleppinger Funeral Home, Jewell. A celebration of life service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Jewell.
The family asks that memorials be given to either the Jewell Public Library or Solomon Valley Hospice.
Kleppinger Funeral Home, is in charge of arrangements.