NORWICH – Violet Ann Betz, of Onalaska and Eau Claire, Wisc., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on Mother’s Day, 2011.
Vi was born to homesteaders Henry and Anna Stoven in Scobey, Mont. She wed her lifelong partner, George F. Betz of Eau Claire in 1941. Together they established and operated a successful commercial cleaning supply business and raised their two daughters, Barbara Ann and Catherine Lynn in Eau Claire.
Vi was active in her Eau Claire community as a UCC Sunday School teacher, Girl Scout leader and Easter Seals fundraiser. She was also active in the JayCees and Eau Claire Women’s Club. She was known for her lovely home and garden, home canning, cooking, baking and needlework skills, often sharing the fruits of her labors with neighbors and friends. In addition to draperies and slipcovers, she enjoyed making hand smocked dresses for her girls. In later years, her hands were busy fashioning quilts and she enjoyed her several bridge clubs. Friends have described her a calm, fashionable and elegant.
After being widowed at age 73, Vi learned to drive and enjoyed travel with her dear friend Evelyn. In addition to exploring the mainland, their adventures included travel in Alaska and Switzerland. Vi spent her later years close to family in Onalaska, Wisc.
Survivors include daughters Barbara Ann Kraft of Norwich, Catherine Harris (Richard) of LaCrosse, Wisc.; grandchildren Branden Mortenson (Heather), Madison, Wisc., Kristen Schams (Terry), LaCrosse, Wisc. and great grandchildren Kacey and Emily Mortenson, Sam and Gabe Schams.
Services were held on May 12 at North Presbyterian Church of Onalaska with committal at St. John’s German Lutheran Cemetery in Eau Claire, Wisc.
The family was very grateful for the comfort and assistance provided by Hospice in the past several weeks.