Mary Elizabeth "Bette" Wilson

RICHMOND, Ind. – Mary Elizabeth “Bette” Wilson, age 91, of Richmond, died Friday, November 23, 2012, at Friends Fellowship Community. Green was her favorite color and she had a special affection for small white clouds in a big blue sky. She was a faithful Presbyterian who prided herself on her long marriage to Tony and the raising of her three children. She was bright, intelligent, active, and engaged in her community right up until the time of her passing. She helped many families in Richmond through her pursuit and development of local programs and facilities for the mentally disabled. Born March 12, 1921, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Edward S. and Dora Wenger Lape, she was a 1939 graduate of Bluffton (Ohio) High School and a 1943 graduate of Ohio Wesleyan College. Bette had lived in Richmond since 1949, after moving here from Oxford, Ohio. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and a former member of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she served as Sunday school teacher and deacon; United Presbyterian Women; AAUW, where she held various offices; Tuesday Aftermath Club; Forest Hills Country Club; and The Richmond Art Museum, where she was a volunteer. Bette was a Republican Party volunteer and former member of Reid Cheer Guild. She served on the board of the Wayne County Council for Retarded Citizens, Inc. Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia Ann Wilson of Richmond; sons, Christopher L. (Sue) Wilson of West Worthington, Ohio, and Mark G. (Holly) Wilson of Scituate, Massachusetts; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton C. “Tony” Wilson, who died on December 11, 1996, and her parents. Calling for Mary Elizabeth “Bette” Wilson will be from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2012, at Friends Fellowship Community Room. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 27th, 2012, at Friends Fellowship Community Room, 2030 Chester Boulevard in Richmond, Indiana. Burial will take place in the spring in Earlham Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to:The Richmond Art Museum, 350 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, Indiana 47374-0816. Phone number: 765.966.0256 Arrangements are being handled by Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374 Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Mary Elizabeth "Bette" Wilson

March 21, 1921 - November 23, 2012