Bette Patricia (Swanson) Carlon, born Feb. 15, 1928, in Fargo, N.D., and died Aug. 13, 2017, was a vibrant lover-of-life, who cherished her family and friends and they always came first. She could see the beauty of landscapes as she traveled around the world and turned that "mind's eye" into a painted canvas. She studied art at the Art Students League in New York City and was an artist-in-residence at the Minnesota Museum of Art in St. Paul. Her paintings are in permanent collections at the Minnesota Museum of American Art, Fargo Clinic, University of North Dakota and numerous private collections.
Bette supported her husband, Don Carlon, through medical school by working as an X-Ray Tech and ultimately earned her B.S. degree in Studio Arts at age 50, from Moorhead State University. She enjoyed art and museums, dancing, music, singing, golfing and all family activities.
She was passionate about current events and demonstrated for causes important to her. Above all she was a dedicated mother and grandmother to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bette and Don lived in Willmar, Moorhead and Rochester and were active in the art societies.
She was preceded in death by her father, Per Oscar Swanson; mother, Tillie (Magenton) Swanson; sister, Alice; and brother, Paul Swanson. She is survived by her loving, caring husband, Don Carlon; children, Jane Carlon, Ann Carlon and Todd Carlon; grandchildren, Chad (Angie) Puffer, Ross (Emily) Puffer, Cole Puffer, Jay Puffer, Tom Carlon, Cris Carlon, and Chase Carlon; son-in-law, Matthew Puffe; daughter-in-law, Sue Skauge Carlon; stepgrandchildren, Brenda (Pelton) Furuseth and Robert Pelton; great-grandchild, Linden Puffer; and stepgreat-grandchild, Whitney Furuseth.
Her art will live on and her memory is etched in her paintings.
Rochester Cremation Services has assisted the family.
-Published Aug 22, 2017 in the Rochester Post-Bulletin