Bette Gave, 78

Bette Anne (McJury) Gave went to be with her Lord and loved ones on September 15, 2018. This little red-headed girl came into the world on March 15, 1940 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Leon R. and Dorothy L. (Wagner) McJury. She was preceded in death by her father in 1942 and, by a later marriage, her parents Dorothy L. Kaiser and Claire E. Kaiser, her seven beloved Boxer dogs, Prince, Blitz, Jack, Jill, Chocolate Chip, Dyna, and Nitro, her special grandmother Grace Wagner, and several aunts and uncles that all held a special place in her heart. Bette is survived by her husband Jan W. Gave, whom she married in 1963, a beloved son Kevin L. Gave, a cherished sister Kaye Williams of Pueblo, Co., a beautiful rescued kitty, Miss Pumpkin, her forever friend Annette Lundberg, whom she always knew she could lean on for prayer, love, and enduring friendship. Special friends Barbara Redford and Marilyn Pontius, and a plethora of wonderful lifelong acquaintances.

Her smiles warmed your heart, her caring ways showed in everything she did, and her uplifting spirit softened many a difficult day.

Bette graduated from Three Rivers High School, attended WMU, and graduated from Parsons Business School.

Important to Bette was giving back and being there for her extended family and anyone who needed her. She truly loved helping people and was happiest and most fulfilled when doing so. Bette spent her life as a wife, mother, homemaker, and volunteer. She worked tirelessly at Andrews Elementary in the 60’s and 70’s, co-chaired American Cancer Drives, chaired and worked elections, volunteered with the Three Rivers Health Auxiliary, and spent many years on the “Lights of Love” committee. For the last 17 years she enjoyed working for Probate Court doing guardianship reviews. Traveling, going on Christian cruises, and attending Southern Gospel Concerts with her dear friends were the highlights later in her life. In her free time Bette could be found reading inspirational books, working in her yard, or spending the day wandering through the shops in Shipshewana.

Bette’s deep compassion and love for animals led her to serve on the Park Board for several terms where she helped plan and establish the Scidmore Park Petting Zoo. Helping little children to value and respect animals… hold them in their little hands… feel their hearts beat… learning that they feel tenderness, pain, and fear, just as we do, was very important to her.

According to Bette’s wishes cremation has taken place and no service will be held.

Memorials in her honor may be made to Best Friends Animal Society (Bestfriends.org), The St. Joseph County Animal Rescue Fund, The Goshen Center for Cancer Care, or to the charity close to your heart. Envelopes available and also may be sent to Hohner Funeral Home in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.hohnerfh.com.