Betsey Ann Whitaker

Betsey Ann Whitaker, 80, of La Crosse, passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at the Bethany-St. Joseph Care Center after having lived a life of love for her family and devotion to her Savior Jesus Christ

She was born in Mt. Dora, Fla., on January 13, 1938, to Clyde and Ruth (Williams) Matthews and was raised in Jemison, Ala. A true southern lady at heart, she moved north to explore her world where she met and married LaVern Turner in Paterson, New Jersey in 1957, and to this union three children were born, Ronald, Debbie and Pamela whom she loved and cherished every day of her life, literally up to her very last breathe. Betsey and LaVern moved many times (Wisconsin, Massachusetts, Virginia) eventually ending up in Sleepy Hollow, Illinois. Here they owned and operated The Old Spaghetti Mill in Dundee, Ill. during the 1970’s. Betsey was the lead chef and created many of her own different types of spaghetti sauce. Betsey and LaVern would later divorce. Betsey then met and married James Whitaker in Carpentersville, Illinois and they moved to Decatur, Alabama in 1978 where they were both able to live closer to their family. Mom worked at the South Morgan Health Care Center in Decatur as an Activities Director for several years until her health forced her into retirement. Betsey and James remained in Decatur for 24 years until moving north to La Crosse to be closer to family. She became closely involved with her church, Bethany Evangelical Free Church, especially through White Cross and Circle of Friends. Betsey and James later divorced. Mom was very fond of her stepchildren from this marriage; April, “little Jimmy” and Shannon; along with her six step-grandchildren that she adored.

Betsey is survived by her children, Ronald Turner of Sleepy Hollow, Ill., Debbie (Anthony) Yount of La Vista, Neb., and Pam (Mike) Kamm of Lansing, Iowa; ten grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and “baby Anderson” on the way; one brother, Charles (Gayle) Matthews of Marietta, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Sarah, Opal and Dorothy “Dot”; and brothers, Buddy and Victor “Vic”. Words just cannot express the love Betsey had for her family. Our memories of her and the number of photos left behind for us to sort through are just a small example.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 20th, at Bethany Evangelical Free Church, 3936 County Road B, La Crosse. Pastor Corey Sateren will officiate. Burial will follow in Onalaska City Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church.

Betsey’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bethany-St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse for their wonderful care over the past 3 months. Most especially these past 6 days; her transition was made easier by the loving care and compassion of each and every staff member. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts.

Mom never believed in good-byes. So for now we will say “So long”.