Bettee Enes

(Sept. 19, 2007)

Elizabeth “Bettee” Enes, 83, died peacefully at home Wednesday, Sept. 19. She had been a resident of the Rocky Mountain Manor in Powell for 10 years.

Bettee was born March 22, 1924, in Burlington to Ray and Antionette Nicholson. Her brothers and sisters were Bill, Ken, Raymond, and Nell. Her childhood years were spent on the farm where the family homesteaded.

She married Kenneth Enes Oct. 21, 1940 in Worland. Ken and Bettee had four children: Marv, Elaine, Alana and Shannon.

Bettee worked during World War II in Renton, Wash., as an airplane riveter on B-29 Superfortress Bombers. When Ken returned from WWII, they briefly moved to Denver so Ken could attend mechanic school. Most of their life together was spent in Byron, where they raised their children.

Bettee was a homemaker, extraordinary seamstress, cook and gardener. She spent much of the fall preserving produce from  her garden for the winter months. It was always said she could make a feast from nothing. Bettee was active as a 4 H leader, Democratic chairperson for Big Horn County, longtime member and Past Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge and school volunteer. Bettee always regretted leaving school at 16, and when she was 57, she attended the Northwest College nursing program, receiving her nursing degree. She loved learning and was an avid reader and crossword aficionado.

She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She and Ken were delighted to extend their grandparent role to many of the family’s in-laws and friends. Memories of camping, arrowhead hunting, cookie baking and games are cherished by her family. Bettee and Nell’s families shared a special bond, living most of their lives just a block away from one another.

Bettee was particularly devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the center of her life. Each child loved to be at their house and when they had the chance for an extended stay that was always fun for grandparents and children. Bettee was an expert seamstress, making clothing, quilts, and baby blankets for her family and friends. One year she tailored pep squad uniforms for the high school. She designed and sewed her daughters’ wedding gowns as well.

Daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine and Steve Wirth of Wapiti, and Alana and Tim VanGrinsven of Powell, survive Bettee; also her beloved grandchildren: Marv's sons, Seth, Erin, and Collin; Elaine's girls, April, Maylee, Laurel, and Sarah; Alana's sons, Tim and Caleb, Caleb’s friend Lauren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Her husband, Ken; son, Marv; and daughter Shannon, preceded her in death. The last five years were made brighter for her with her friendship with Ray Jurgens, also of the Rocky Mountain Manor.

Graveside services will be held at the Byron Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Rocky Mountain Manor, 140 North Cheyenne in Powell, WY 82435.