Mrs. Bette Lou Nelson, 89, of Wataga, Illinois died 6:15 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the Hammond Henry Long Term Care in Geneseo, Illinois.
She was born July 10, 1935, in Galesburg, Illinois to Albert and Bessie (Anderson) Emstrom. She married Larry Packingham on July 2, 1955, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on April 25, 1985. She later married Gene Nelson on February 1, 1997, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on March 15, 2023.
Surviving is a son, Brian Packingham of Kirkwood, Illinois, a daughter, Heidi (and Brian) Fuhr of Silvis, Illinois, a stepson, David (and Chris) Nelson of Rio, Illinois, two stepdaughters, Lori (and Tom) Weaver of Blaine, Minnesota and Diann (and Mike) Finley of Glenview, Illinois, 19 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a nephew and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Dwight Emstrom.
Bette graduated from Galesburg High School in 1953. She worked in the Lombard Junior High School cafeteria for several years. After she married Gene, she became a farmer’s wife. She would cook large meals for the family and farm help during harvest season and delivered them to the men in the fields. She loved to bake treats, especially a large variety of cookies. She was of the Lutheran faith and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg. She enjoyed playing cards, especially Pinochle and Canasta. She loved going on boat cruises with her girlfriends. Bette also enjoyed her peace and quiet working in her flower garden.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Henderson Cemetery, Henderson, Illinois. Rev. Dr. Carrie Carnes will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
