Bette Jo “Bette” Ann Vento was called to the Lord on Friday, July 30th at the young age of 83. Bette was a brave warrior in her recent battle with pancreatic cancer, keeping her strong faith, sharp wit, and sense of humor until in the end, passing peacefully in her sleep at ElmBrook Memorial Hospital.

Bette was born on September 12, 1937, in Milwaukee Wisconsin to parents Muriel and Calvin “Archie” Calhoun. She was blessed with two wonderful sisters Barbara, who lives in Texas and Judy, who she reunited with in heaven. Bette married Sam Vento on October 6, 1956. Sam predeceased Bette and was there to welcome her home. Bette and Sam are survived by their 5 children Lisa, Diane, Deborah, Marie, and Tom and Tom’s wife Brenda. They were also blessed to have seven grandchildren: Andy (and his wife Alex), Doll, Cory, Samantha (and her husband Michael), Leigh, Ryan, and Cole. Bette’s grandchildren were undeniably the highlight of her life. She relished her role as Gramma and took any opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren showering them with love and McNuggets. Bette also had a large extended family, all who will miss her deeply.

Although starting their life together in Milwaukee, Bette and Sam lived most of their married life in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Bette worked for the majority of her career at JC Penny’s as a Catalogue Support Representative, where she was often recognized for her excellent work. Both her children and grandchildren recall that the arrival of the JC Penny Christmas Catalogue with the ritual of circling your Christmas wishes each year was such a highlight, even prompting one to remark that Christmas at Gramma’s was so amazing, we likely solely kept Penny’s in business. Through the years Bette became an avid gardener and was well known for creating the most beautiful cottage style gardens. Often, she would find people she didn’t even know wandering through her yard admiring her work. Bette was a great friend to many, whether neighbors from throughout the years, co-workers from Penny’s, or her group from aqua-aerobics and Ma Jong at the YMCA in Waukesha, Bette enjoyed developing deep meaningful relationships that lasted a lifetime. She also enjoyed traveling to Florida to spend some “snow-bird” time with her cousin Jerilee.

Bette will be cremated and requested that there not be any services, so her family asks that if you want to honor her, grab a pint of her favorite custard – Butter Pecan, along with her favorite meal – a butter burger from Kopps, and toast to the wonderful life of this amazing daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. In her bible was a single piece of paper with the following scripture address: Psalm 91 v 7-12:

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.