Bette Wilson

Bette E. Wilson, 82, of Viola, died Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008, at Mercer County Hospital, Aledo. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at St. John Catholic Church, Viola. Burial is in St. John Cemetery, Viola. Visitation is 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the church, with the rosary recited at 7 p.m. Dennison Funeral Home, Viola, is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John Catholic Church or Mercer County Hospital. She was born April 7, 1925, in Shale City, Ill., the daughter of William A. and Loretta Smith Esp. She married Anson Wilson Aug. 14, 1943, in Falmouth, Mass. He died Nov. 24, 1980. Bette was the unit secretary for Winola Schools. She also worked at Union Federal in Viola and as a hairdresser. Mrs. Wilson was very active in her church and community. As a member of St. John Catholic Church, she was on the Altar Society, where she was a past president, and also served as trustee on the Parish Council. To serve her community, Bette was a Cub Scout den mother and was a past president of the Winola PTA. Bette also enjoyed golfing and was an avid fan of Chicago sports teams, supporting the Bears, Bulls and Cubs. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her grandchildren. Survivors include one daughter and spouse, Luan and John Kozelichki, Madison, Ala.; two sons and spouses, Rick and Linda Wilson, Freeport, Ill., and Curt and Candy Wilson, Sherrard; nine grandchildren (and their spouses), Jennifer (Troy) Fischer, Mitch Wilson, Ryan (Christina) Wilson, Courtney (Ken) Legendre, Carrie (Todd) Swanson, Carley Wilson and Luke, Kole and Zachary Kozelichki; nine great-grandchildren, Lauren, Ellie and Morgan Fischer, Alex and Camryn Wilson, Tess and Rowan Wilson and Drew and Carter Swanson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and an infant sister.