Bette O. Bennett of Omro passed away on August 31, 2020 at the age of 100.
Born Elizabeth Odelia Gulig on July 5, 1920 in Omro, WI to Nick and Elizabeth (Freund) Gulig. She grew up on a farm with her sister Lila (Calkins) and brother Clarence right outside of Omro. She graduated from Omro High School in 1938, then Oshkosh Teachers College in 1940. After graduation, Bette taught at Triangle County School for 3 years, then at Blue Bell Country School for another 3 years. She Married Clarence (Clair) E. Bennett on August 31, 1946 at Ft. Lewis, Washington. Clair was in the Army and the couple lived in several places over the years; Washington; California; Kansas; Indiana and in Rochefort, France before settling back in Omro in 1958 after Clair retired from the Army with 21 years of service. While in France, Bette was a substitute teacher on the Army base, and after returning to Omro she continued substitute teaching in the area.
Bette is survived by her three sons, Ronald (Omro), Jeffrey (Freeport, IL) and Michael (Oshkosh). Grandchildren Jessica (Hoffman Estates, IL.), Gina (Dorian) Allison (East Peoria, IL) and Evan (Freeport, IL.). Great-grandchildren Samuel (Oshkosh), Dylan (Freeport, IL.) and Bennett Allison (East Peoria, IL.). And several nephews and nieces.
Preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband (1990) and grandson, Ronald II (2011)
Bette lived her life with a strong will of conviction to family and friends. She thoroughly enjoyed having all of her family by her side year and year to her birthday celebrations and we all found a way to make her 100th birthday special, even with social distancing guidelines. While her family will miss her greatly, they are comforted in knowing she and Clair are reunited after 30 years apart.
We would like to thank the wonderful Staff at Country Villas (Omro) who took very good care of Bette over the last 3 months.
Mass and visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (Omro) on Friday, Sept. 11. Visitation 11:30 – 1 pm. and Mass at 1 pm.