Bette Dines

Bette Harvey Dines died January 5th, 2025 at the age of 97 in Rochester, Minnesota. She was born in 1927 in Denver to Viola Prey Harvey and Doctor Edward Lee Harvey. She graduated from East Denver High School and attended Mount Vernon College. She married her teenage sweetheart David Dines in 1947 after his return from serving in the Marines in World War II. Their marriage of 77 years began with her supporting him through college and medical school. They would often talk about having the largest paper route in Colorado Springs while David was completing his college degree on the GI bill. As the daughter of a prominent obstetrician and multiple generations of physicians, Bette understood the life of a physician's spouse and was proud to support David through his career. She did her part by being a friend and mentor to many spouses of young physicians, throwing great parties for medical residents and fellows, and opening her home to patients and doctors who did not have a place to go on the holidays.

But more than anything, she loved her family and was devoted to her children and their spouses, and in her later years, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She prioritized time with her family over everything else and worked hard to make every holiday and outing special, including her famous Christmas luncheon and theater outing for grandchildren. She was always willing to babysit when the need arose, even if it meant traveling across the country. And when her daughter Sarah was at the end of her life with cancer, Bette moved to Denver to support her through her last stages of life.

Bette's faith was very important to her and for many years she was an active member and volunteer of both Calvary Episcopal Church in Rochester and Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church in Paradise Valley. After finishing her training as a lay chaplain, she found great meaning in visiting patients at St. Mary's Hospital and giving them communion. She also knit prayer shawls for patients and their family members.

Bette had many interests. She read voraciously and was a member of three book groups. She was also an excellent horsewoman and spent many happy years learning dressage with her horse, Leonard. Whether she rode western or English, she was at home in the saddle with both her dressage friends Connie and Winnie and her Wickenburg cowboy pals.

Bette's greatest talent was being an accomplished needlepointer. She studied with the Royal School of Needlework in London, England and the Kai Embroidery School based in Japan. She received her teaching certificate from the National Standards Council of American Embroiderers in 1978 and went on to offer needlepoint classes in Rochester. This talent and her love for the Episcopal church, led her to directing the needlepoint project at Calvary Episcopal Church in 1979. One of her greatest achievements were her numerous needlepoint works for the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. including twelve needlepoint kneelers for its children's chapel.

Bette is preceded in death by her husband David Dines and daughter Sarah Lee Dines and she is survived by sister-in-law Elaine Harvey, sister-in-law Dorothy Dines, and sister-in-law Marcia Strickland (all three of Denver), children Carol Dines (Jack Zipes), and David Dines (Margie), grandchildren Hanna Basel (Mike), David Dines (Keri), Virginia Dines (Mark Norton) and Andrew Dines, and four great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Supportive Nursing Unit at Charter House-Mayo Rochester as well as Mayo Hospice for their love and care. Your kindness and compassion will always be remembered.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church in the spring.

The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Calvary Episcopal Church at calvary-rochester.org or mailed to Calvary Episcopal Church, 111 Third Ave. S.W., Rochester, MN 55902.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Dines family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.