×

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Jane Wery

WILSON — Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Wery, 82, of Wilson (Jam Dam), passed away Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 12, 2019, at her home surrounded by family. She was born at their home in Wilson on Feb. 9, 1937. She was the daughter of Wilfred and Mary (Plansky) Borden. Betty and their family moved from Wilson, Escanaba, Hyde, and lastly back to Wilson where she graduated from Bark River High School in 1955. She began her working career at Robinson Furniture Factory assembling and finishing various pieces of furniture until her retirement. She was never afraid of hard work and the one thing she instilled into her children was how important it was to have a good work ethic and always do our best. The former Elizabeth Borden married the love of her life, Edward Wery on Oct. 28, 1956, at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hyde, Mich. Our parents recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. Betty was a fan of football and NASCAR where you could find her on Sunday afternoon watching the Green Bay Packers. (despite several of her family being Detroit Lions fans) – She never held that against them but loved to let us know if her team won. Her favorite NASCAR driver was the #24 Jeff Gordon until he retired and then she became a Chase Elliott fan #9. She was the leader of her household and was a lady of order and organization. Those who knew her would tell you she loved to feed anyone who graced their doors. Some of her favorite dishes requested by family and friends was her potato salad. We believe the last ingredient was made with love. Other dishes were homemade beef stew, rice meatballs, chicken wrapped beef-bacon, and finally her famous homemade cherry cheese cake. The grandkids always knew where the treat drawer was and there was always an abundance. Her favorite treat was a 3 Musketeer or Mounds candy bar. God, Husband, Family, and Church Family were her greatest joy in that order. She was known for never forgetting a birthday or anniversary and she loved family gatherings where she was never late and always the first to arrive. She had a giving heart and was always willing to help those in need. Betty had an incredible gift and talent for writing for her church newsletter, the Daily Press, Menominee County Journal, and Farm Bureau. She took great pride in her yard, flowers, and enjoyed feeding her birds and cats. Most of all, she cherished her beloved dog named “Prince.” She was highly involved and strong in her faith with the Wilson Seventh-Day Adventist Church where she held many positions throughout the years. She loved reading her Bible and presently was reading the book of Leviticus. Our mother’s favorite flower was the yellow rose which is ironically mentioned 4 times in the book of Leviticus. The yellow rose symbolizes “A Woman of Noble Character.”

Betty Jane Wery is survived by her husband, Edward Wery of Wilson; daughter, Debra (Steven) Besson of Escanaba; sons, Stephen (Debbie) Wery of Carney, Ronald (Terri) Wery of Carney, and Gary (Margaret) Wery of Gladstone; eight grandchildren, Joshua (Shannon) Jupe, Tennille Jupe (Jason) Bellefeuil, Jesse Wery, Jason Wery, Ryan Wery, Brittany Wery, Olivia Wery, and Theodore Wery; seven great-grandchildren, Brayden Jupe, Karter Jupe, Kayleigh Bratonia, Alexys Jackson, Abygail Jackson, Allyson Jackson, Brody Bellefeuil; two great-great-grandchildren, Grayson Jackson, and Irelynn Wery; brothers and sisters, Barbara (Ed) Jenshack of Gladstone, Robert (Elly) Borden of Dixon, Ill., Sandra (Jay) Peters of Oak Forest, Ill., Wilfred (Rose) Borden, Jr. of Menominee, Mich., David (Pam) Borden of Menominee, Mich., and Dennis (LuAnn) Borden of Marinette, Wis.; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Wilford and Mary Borden, Betty was preceded in death by sisters, Beverly, Terry Lee, Sally, and Sheryl Borden; and brothers, Gerald Borden, and Jack Borden.

Betty was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and will be missed by all who were fortunate to know her.

“Her children arise and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her.” Isaiah 30:18

We were all blessed to be loved by her.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST, Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Betty will follow at 1 p.m. EST Saturday in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tom Hubbard of the Wilson Seventh-Day Adventist Church officiating. Burial will take place immediately following the funeral services in the Wilson Seventh-Day Adventist Cemetery. A dinner will be served at the conclusion of the graveside services at the Wilson Junior Academy (across the road from the cemetery). The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Wery family and online condolences can be sent at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.