Betty Kenworthy

Betty Kenworthy, age 86 of Viroqua, died Tuesday April 17, 2018. Betty Mae Wallace Wilson Kenworthy was born on June 11, 1931 the daughter of O. Glenn and Opal D. (Dieter) Wallace in Bloom Township, Richland County, Wisconsin. She was born into eternal life on April 17, 2018. Betty attended school at West Lima Elementary and Union Free High School, graduating in May 1949. She also attended college, graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in May, 1971 with a BS-Education. She taught school for twenty years, thirteen years in the Kickapoo Area Schools; retiring in 1990 from the Reedsburg School District. Betty accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior in May of 1944 at age 13, being baptized in July of that year. She spent many years as a Sunday School teacher, Christian Education Director, church pianist and Youth Choir Director among other service in the stewardship of her Lord. She especially enjoyed hosting Bible Studies in her home with her husband, Eldon. Betty also published a family newsletter for her fathers side of the family for more than 10 years. Betty and Eldon spent their retirement years in Viola enjoying their children, grandchildren, and numerous friends. Their home was always open to visitors and became known as the 'Kenworthy Hotel.' After Ken's death, Betty moved to Maplewood Terrace where she continued her open door hospitality and friendship to any resident who wished to stop to talk. She also enjoyed Scrabble games, Bingo, Spelling Bees, special programs, and chapel services at her new home. In March 1950 she was united in marriage to Dennis Wilson of West Lima; they later divorced. To this union were born six children: D. Allan (Pam), Steven (Patty), Errol (Vickie), Shirley (Bob) Lawrence, Terry (Michelle), and Melanie (Dan) Gebauer all of whom survive her. In May 1983, Betty married Eldon E. Kenworthy. They lived 11 years in Reedsburg, before returning to their home area, Viola, WI in 1994. Eldon preceded her in death on January 28, 2015. She is also survived by her step-children, Ann Marie (Don) Schroeder and Earl (Nancy) Kenworthy. Betty is further survived by her grandchildren: Chet (Suzie) Wilson; Ginger (Danny) Green; Travis (Christa), Robbie (Ann), Colton, Taylor (Beau) Schroeder, Mackenzie, Andrea (Mike) Gomoll, Stephanie (Brian) Miller, Stacie (Bob) Christensen, Amber (Nick Kmoch), Lindsay Wilson; Brian (Ashley) Schroeder, Tony (Megan) Wallroff; Glenn (Jenny) Lawrence, Jonathan (Kris) Lawrence, and Garrett Lawrence; and Misty (Matt) Dodge, Nick (Sarah) Gebauer and Meghan Gebauer. She is also survived by 40 great-grandchildren and another one expected in June. Also surviving Betty are three step-grandchildren: Amy (Tim) Lewis, Jeremy Kenworthy, and Stacy (Les) Richards Hayes. Betty is also survived by a sister, Marilyn Wallace Woosley and her fianc, Bruce Perkins; one brother Lyle (Sue) Wallace; sister-in-law Ethel (Howard) Hanson, and sister-in-law, Bernice Schroeder; also nieces, nephews, many cousins, family members, and many friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Colleen Wallace Button, and a brother, Delmar Wallace. Blessed be our memory of Betty M. Kenworthy. Funeral Services for Betty will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at LaFarge Free Methodist Church. Pastor Paul Roberts will officiate with burial in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, West Lima. A Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the New Life Community Church in Viroqua and at the church in LaFarge on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Online condolences may be offered at www.VossFH.ComThe Vosseteig Funeral Home, 203 N. State St., in La Farge, is serving the family.