Betty Ann Wetzel was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Rudolph George Benbenek and Wanda Bell Lewis Benbenek on November 3, 1936 and departed this life on July 12, 2019 in Plainfield, Illinois, at the age of 82 years.
She was united in marriage to Donald Truman Wetzel on June 20, 1959 in Thayer, Missouri. He preceded her in death on March 20, 2017.
She is survived by her son, James Douglas Wetzel and wife, Robyn, of Northbrook, Illinois; two daughters, Kathleen (Wetzel) Mozdzierz and husband, Walter, of Chicago, Illinois and Margaret (Maggie) Wetzel and fiancé, Victor Maggio, of Oak Lawn, Illinois; three grandchildren, Brittany Wetzel and Marisa Wetzel, both of Chicago, Illinois and Sam Wetzel of Northbrook, Illinois; other relatives; and countless friends.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don; her parents, Rudolph and Wanda Benbenek; and her beloved brother, Bob.
Betty Ann gradually adjusted to country life by spending time with the animals, helping with chores around the farm and playing with her brother Bob.
Betty Ann attended Couch school where she met her soon to be High School sweetheart Don Wetzel. Upon graduating High School as co-valedictorians, Betty Ann and Don both attended The University of Missouri where she majored in Home Economics. After graduating college, the two of them immediately were married on June 20, 1959.
They traveled and lived throughout the United States and Europe as they raised their family. Betty Ann and Don were happily married for over 57 years. They were together until he passed in March of 2017.
Betty Ann had many interests ranging from caring for her cats, horseback riding, collecting dolls and for a while, being one of Bruce Springsteen’s biggest fans. She also enjoyed volunteering at Hinsdale Hospital for many years.
Betty Ann will be deeply missed by her family who she loved and cared for immensely.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 18, 2019 from 9:30 AM until the service time at the Chapel.
Interment will be held at the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with arrangements under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.