Bette nee Erickson Squier, age 91, formerly of Oswego, died Sunday, June 5, 2011 at her home in Montgomery. Bette was born August 21, 1919 in Aurora, IL. to Elmer Edward and Harriet Mae (Carr) Erickson. An only child, Bette grew up on a farm in the Little Rock area and graduated from Plano High school in 1937. She attended Northern Illinois State Teachers College (now Northern Illinois University) in DeKalb, and graduated in 1941 with a degree in elementary education. Bette taught in schools in Champaign, IL, and Aurora, IL., and was a 1st grade teacher at East View Elementary in Oswego for 15 years until she retired in 1981. Bette met her husband Herbert Squier of Shambaugh, Iowa, in Champaign, IL in 1942 at a USO dance. Following the war, they married July 25, 1945 in Aurora. She was married to Herb for 52 years until his passing in 1997. Bette was a resident of the Oswego area for 41 years, moving to Boulder Hill in 2001. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, crocheting, gardening, and reading. She also enjoyed garage saling with her cousin Mildred. Bette was a member of the 19th Century Club of Oswego, Kendall County Retired Teachers, Friendly Neighbors, Prairie Point Quilt Guild, a 50 year member of Lorraine Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Rebecca Circle of the Oswego Presbyterian Church, American Association of University Women, and the Methodist Church 20-Up Club in Aurora. She taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School for Oswego Presbyterian Church. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother in Pack 363 for both her sons. Survivors include sons Steven (Renée) Squier of Rockford, IL; Dale (Cindy) Squier of Oswego, IL; grandchildren Steve (Connie) of DeKalb, IL; Erik (Heather) of Costa Mesa, CA; Mark of Oswego; Ashley of Mesa, AZ ; and great granddaughter Maggie of DeKalb. Bette was preceded in death by her husband Herbert Squier, and parents Elmer Edward and Harriet Mae (Carr) Erickson. Her family would like to thank Hope Home Health Care and Provena Hospice for their services. Special thanks are extended to her long time caregiver Regina for her compassion and care, allowing Bette to remain comfortable at home until her passing. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Friday June 10, 2011 with memorial service at 7:00 pm at McKeown-Dunn Funeral Home Ltd., 210 S. Madison St., Oswego. Interment will take place at Oswego Township cemetery at a private ceremony.
For information 630/554-3888.
Published in Beacon News on June 7, 2011