Bette J. Butson

Bette J. Butson, age 86, of Platteville, died on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at Heartland Health Care Center in Platteville. She was born on July 16, 1921 in Colome, South Dakota, the daughter of Michael and Maude (Deacon) Harty. Bette attended and graduated from Colome High School and received a Debate Scholarship to University of South Dakota, but was not able to attend. Bette married Donald J. Butson on November 17, 1948 in Colome. Donald preceded her in death in 1960. She worked for the Grant County Shopping News for 30 years, retiring in 1986. Bette was a faithful member of St. Marys Catholic Church and a member of the St. Marys CCW. She was also a member of the VFW Womens Auxiliary and the American Legion Womens Auxiliary.

Bette is survived by four children: Jeffrey Butson, Platteville; Jan Reed, Tucson, AZ; Julie Stead, Platteville; and Kelly Butson, Waunakee; four grandchildren: Zackary Butson, Amanda Stead, and Rochelle and Tanya Reed; her brother-in-law, Warren Doug (Gertrude) Butson, Platteville; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; four brothers, Clinton Paul, James Theodore, Joseph Myron and Charles Franklin and a sister, Mary Catharine.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at St. Marys Catholic Church in Platteville with Monsignor Charles Schluter officiating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Visitation was held on Friday, February 1, 2008 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home in Platteville with a parish rosary service at 4:00 p.m. and VFW and American Legion Auxiliary memorial service at 7:00 p.m. Friends were also welcomed from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services on Saturday at the church.