Bettie Mae Gordon

Bettie M. Gordon, 89, died on April 4, 2009, at St. Elizabeth's Nursing Care Facility in Wabasha, MN. Bettie was born on October 16, 1919, to Henry and Blanche (Kennedy) Tietz in Minneapolis, MN. Bettie's early years were spent in the Minneapolis and St. Paul where as a young child she had the unique opportunity to live with family friends, the Elmer's. On December 30th, 1938, she married Lyle "Swede" Gordon. They lived in Winona, MN, Stockton, MN, and Ashland, WI; living in Ashland for 35 years. When Swede went off to war, Bettie (like so many others) raised their young family until his grateful return. While living in Winona they owned and operated their family business, "Swedes" on the corner of 4th and Olmsted streets. Bettie moved from Ashland, WI to Cochrane, WI where she lived for five years to be closer to her family. In December 2005 she moved to St. Elizabeth's Assisted Living in Wabasha, MN, and resided there until her death. Where ever Bettie lived her space became a home due to exceptional decorating abilities. Her short time at St. Elizabeth's gave her some very special friendships of caring and sharing. Bettie is remembered for some of her favorite things including family, friends, flowers, music and a good party! She especially loved Birthdays and the Christmas Holidays. During the Holidays Bettie was sensitive to little children and made sure they had a gift for Christmas.Bettie is survived by her five children, Bill Gordon of Wabasha, MN, Dick (Leslie) Gordon of Indian Creek, WI, Donna (Leon) Nesbitt of Hager City, WI, Mike (Debbie) Gordon of Westminster, CO, and Kathy (David) Moseley of Burnsville, MN; niece, Janis (Phil) Conway of Winona, MN; grandchildren; Shannon and Heather Gordon, Susan (Mike) Mullen, Michelle and Lee Nesbitt, Leah (Sam) Nesbitt-Miller; and Luke and Samantha Gordon; and great grandson, Tyler Gordon. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Swede, brother, Lowell, sister, Marge, an infant daughter and grandson, Scott Gordon.A celebration of Bettie's life will be held on April 14th, at St. Elizabeth's Sr.Gerina Room in Wabasha, MN from 2:00-4:00pm with a time of sharing at 2pm. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Elizabeth's, 1200 Grant Blvd W, Wabasha, MN, 55981. Please share a memory of Bettie with the family, sign her online guestbook or view her video tribute when it becomes available online at: www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/62646