- Date Of Birth: December 2, 1928
- Date Of Death: September 9, 2016
- State: Indiana
Bette W. Ringuette, 87, of Cassopolis, passed away Friday, September 9, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer.
Bette was born December 2, 1928, at home in Norton, Mass. She graduated from Norton High School in Norton, Mass. and studied liberal arts for three years.
After living in Connecticut, New York City and Chicago, Bette moved to the Michiana area in 1965.
In 1946, she was married to Adrien L. Ringuette in Norton, Mass.
In 1976, they divorced and are survived by three children, Rachel (Dr. Lynn) Thomas of Elkhart, Grant of Phoenix, Ariz. and Scott of Bristol; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Bette is also survived by a sister, Natalie Chapin of Waterville, Maine.
For more than 39 years she and her companion, Kenneth L. Teague developed a loving relationship and enjoyed many years at their country home in southern Michigan. He survives with two daughters, Nancy Cocanower and Karen Elliott, both of Elkhart, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Over the years Bette was employed at Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Conn., Barnard College Alumnae Foundation, New York City, N. Y., North Shore Mental Health Clinic in Highland Park, Ill., and for 23 years she worked as a paraprofessional for the Elkhart School System at Rice School, Mary Daly School and Cleveland Elementary School.
Ms. Ringuette previously volunteered at Big Brothers-Big Sisters of New York City, N.Y., Lake Bluff Children’s Home in Lake Bluff, Ill., as well as the Elkhart YWCA Senior Citizens Program including management of The Alcove Gift Shop.
She was a member of the Fernwood Nature Center, MMAA, The Frontier Club, and Leader Dogs for the Blind as well as supporting numerous wildlife and conservation groups.
Bette had many interest in her life. She and Ken shared numerous trips at home and abroad. She designed the extensive renovation of their home as well as the landscaping and spent much of her time outside enjoying the nature around her. Bette also enjoyed reading, antiques, ceramics, art and design, photography, bird watching and collecting handmade miniature houses that adorn the windowsills in their home. Since 1970 she has been known for making her own Christmas cards using photographs of nature taken in the yard and gardens surrounding their home.
