Jill Bettridge (80), born Paulette Jill Klinzing in Richland Center, WI, on Aug 5, 1944, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her closest family.
Jill attended St. Mary’s School (“I was raised by the nuns.”) and Richland Center HS, where, by all accounts, she was the belle of the ball and the queen of the hop. After attending the Univ. of Wisconsin, she became a loving and generous mother who filled her homes with laughter, books and music. Among the many jobs that she worked to help support her family over the years, her position as a bookkeeper for United Way was the most rewarding.
There she met lifelong friends who shared her passion for helping those in need. As well as the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and the dear friends she counted singing in an obscure folk band among her favorite memories. (“I loved the all-night practice sessions best!”). In addition to her generosity of spirit, Jill was a “five-and-dime philanthropist,” stuffing small checks in envelopes to her various charities “whenever no one was looking.”
Testimony to Jill’s strength of character, was her heroic comeback from a devastating brain injury in 2008, She progressed from near lifelessness, to moving only with great effort, to using a wheelchair, then a walker, then a cane, all the while keeping her sharp wit (“that sometimes got me in trouble”) and humor. Never once, saying woe is me. In the end her ailments were too many and too formable, but she triumphed past her 80th birthday with her dedicated daughter, Marnie, husband, David, son, Peter and dear friends Vivian, Mary and Dennis by her side.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Pauline Klinzing; and 4 dear siblings-in- law. She is survived by her sister, Judi and brother Daniel. Also surviving are her husband of 50 years, 1 son, 3 daughters, 3 step-children, 11 grands and 1 great-grand.
Plans for celebrations of Jill’s life are not complete. Jill’s final act of generosity was to donate her body to UTN for medical education and scientific progress.
In lieu of flowers, please support your favorite charity in Jill’s name.
Funeral Home: ICS Cremation & Funeral
Website: icsfuneralservices.com