Betty Louise Hess

Betty Louise Hess, 86, of Nelson, passed from this world on April 26, 2013. She was born in Park Falls, WI on October 28, 1926 to Nina (Harbo) and Samuel Richie. She was raised by her beloved grandmother, Katherine Ida Harbo, until the age of 6, when she and her siblings went to live at the St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Superior, WI. Betty lived there happily until the age of 15, and then worked various jobs in Minneapolis, including at a factory making airplane filters during WWII and a hospital where she met her future husband while he was visiting his ill father. Betty and Albert Hess were married on December 3, 1946. This city girl went to live on Albert’s newly purchased farm on By Golly Creek near Nelson, where Betty lived for the next 66 years. Together, Betty and Albert raised four children, Donna, John, Carol, and Ronald. She was a hard worker, known for her energy and speed, and spent her time working odd jobs, and making baked goods for anyone who wanted them. She was also a woman known for her hospitality and quick wit, and always had the coffee pot on and sweets ready for anyone who might stop by. She insisted on mowing her own yard with a push mower until her 85th year. Betty loved to keep busy, and spent her time baking pies, cookies, bars, and other goodies, cracking walnuts, sewing cross-stitch, and anything else to keep her occupied. She found joy in spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren, and with her faithful canine companion, Sparky. She also delighted in all kinds of music, particularly country western, and the singing of her favorite choir, The Lyster Sisters, as well as her granddaughter Carly. She will be sadly missed by her children, Donna (Rodney) Harschlip of Nelson, John (Linda Henzl) Hess of Madison, Carol (Forrest) Davis of Sequim, WA, and Ronald Hess, of Minneapolis; Daughter-in-law Lucy Hayter of Hortonville, WI; Grandchildren Carly (Michael O’Donnell) Harschlip of Albuquerque, NM, Mehta (Michael Kroger) Hess of New London, Wisconsin, and Lincoln Harschlip, of Nelson; and one great-grandchild, Tahlulah Desmond, of El Paso, Texas. In addition, she will be mourned by her beloved friend of many years Ellen “Schultzy” Karpas and her entire family, as well as many other friends, neighbors, nieces, and nephews. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Albert Hess; sisters, Margaret Clune, Clementine Richie, and Mary Gene Richie; brothers, Dan and Don Richie; and a grandaugther, Natalie Hess-Desmond. Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 5 at the Talbot Family Funeral Home in Alma, Wisconsin at 2 p.m. with Pastor Michael Vetsch officiating. Burial will follow at Nelson Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 4 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the hour of the service all at the funeral home. Online memories or condolences may be sent to www.talbotfuneralhomes.com