Bette Jane Williams

Bette Jane Williams age 84 of Rochester passed away in Rochester Friday December 30, 2011. Born September 9, 1927 in Minneapolis, MN to Harold and Cecelia (Swan) Brooks. As an infant her family moved to Mankato where she grew up and attended and graduated from high school. Bette worked for Bell Telephone Company for several years. She then became involved in child care and cared for various doctor's children in the Rochester area as their parents traveled. She loved caring for these children and became known as Grandma Bette to many children. She enjoyed playing piano, was very artistic with both painting and writing poetry. She and her late husband so enjoyed their daily bike rides. She was involved in PTA and served in various capacities while her children were young. She and her late husband also enjoyed the Sixty Club which was a dance club that held Saturday night dances. After her own children were grown she became involved at and worked several years with the Children's Place in Rochester. She was a member of Homestead United Methodist Church. On May 10, 1950 she married Vernon Charles Williams and he preceded her in death July 29, 1993. Surviving her are her four children, Nancy Jo Wilson, and Judi Williams both of Rochester, Tom L. Williams (wife Kelly Brown) of Falcon Heights, MN and David J. Williams (wife Mary Beth) of Eden Prairie, MN. Five grandchildren: Elizabeth Wilson, Michael Williams, Sean Williams, Trever Williams, and Ryan Williams. One sister: Donna Johnson (husband Don) of Seattle, WA and a sister-in-law: Gerri Brooks of Faribault, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband, four brothers, and one sister. Memorial services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Homestead United Methodist Church 400 13th Ave SE Rochester, MN. A lunch and time of fellowship will follow the services. Private family burial will take place at a later date in Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials appreciated to Bette Williams Family1437 Graham Ct. S.E., Rochester, MN 55904 or a donation to your favorite charity to advance the life of a young child in Bette's memory. Arrangements entrusted to Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 507-289-3600 www.ranframzandvinefh.com