Betty J. Hutchens, 83, of Ontario, Wis., passed away due to Covid-19 on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, at the Vernon Memorial Healthcare Facility in Viroqua.
Betty was born Aug. 6, 1937, to Ellis and Evelyn (Weiland) Burdette. She was born in her Grandma Weiland’s farmhouse outside of Kendall. On March 20, 1954, she married her best friend, Larry “Pete” Hutchens.
Betty was a beautiful soul who cared deeply for everyone around her — from the love of her life, Pete; to her children, who always made her laugh; and her beautiful grandchildren, who loved being with grandma. She did confess to having a special spot in her heart for the village guys, Paul (“Prez”) and Dan. They somehow knew what Betty was going to prune in her garden before she did, and they were right there to pick up the pieces.
Betty was known for being an incredibly positive supporter of the Village of Ontario. She was seen every day taking a walk around town, and she always looked forward to visiting with a neighbor or two along the way. The community will miss Betty, and so will everyone whose lives she touched along the way.
Betty is survived by her children, Bruce (Joan) Hutchens of Sparta, Linda (George) Flaig of Sparta, Lana (Jerome) Muellenberg of Norwalk, Deanna (Miller Yoder) Rosier of New Lisbon, and Dean (Dave Parsons) of Mexico; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; her brother, Earl (Diane) Burdette of Oak Creek, Wis.; her brothers-in-law, Bud Hastings of Elroy and Merlin Vieth of Norwalk; a sister-in-law, Kathy (Larry) Fletcher of Onalaska; her very best friends and neighbors, Pearl and Bruce Bauman; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Pete, who died Dec. 11, 2013; a sister, Joyce Hastings; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Maxine Vieth, Ruth Rynes, Fern and Douglas Ferries, and Don and Ruby Jones.
Because of Betty’s care and concern for her beloved family, friends, and the community during the Covid-19 pandemic, she requested that there be no funeral gathering. Instead, her wishes are for a private graveside service at a later date in the Hilltop Rest Cemetery. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Ontario is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
