Sunday, November 16, 2008

Obituary: Betty Lavering Melum

MADISON - Betty Lavering Melum, age 88, passed away at UW Hospital with family and friends by her side on Monday, Nov. 10, 2008. Betty was born on Dec. 6, 1919, in Appleton. She graduated from Madison Central High School and enjoyed four years at UW-Platteville and graduated with her teaching certification. Betty met the love of her life, Lester "Ketch" Melum while he was stationed at Truax Field, they were married on Thanksgiving Day in 1943. Ketch and Betty both taught school in South Dakota prior to moving to Madison in the late 1940's. Betty retired from the State of Wisconsin after working at the capital for many years. Betty was an avid fan of the Packers, Badgers and Milwaukee Braves/Chicago Cubs and enjoyed following her son and grandson's athletic careers at UW-Oshkosh. Ketch and Betty loved to spend time with friends while enjoying a bottle of Blatz beer. Betty is survived by her son, David of Madison; twin granddaughters, Monique Melum (Ola) Stromberg of Shanghai, China, Nicole (Derek) Phillips of Breckenridge, Colo.; grandson, David (Jennifer) Melum of Sun Prairie; six great-grandchildren, Joey, Jakob and Clara Stromberg, Warren Phillips, Riley and Brady Melum. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ketch. There will be a Memorial Visitation on Friday, Nov. 21, 2008, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. at CRESS FUNERAL SERVICE, 6021 University Ave.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on November 16, 2008

1 comment:

D Strand said...

I remember Mrs. Melum well. She was a nice lady. Dave and I were good friends and I was at their house from time to time. I remember her best at Breese Stevens field sitting right behind home plate with Mr. Melum cheering Dave on loudly. They gave a lot of support. I remember them both cheering for me too as a friend of Dave's and a Centralite. Their cheering and support was greatly appreciated, although I never said so at the time, I don't think. I knew they were from South Dakota and that Mrs. Melum worked at The Capitol but I didn't know that she went to Central. I hope that she didn't see me (not Dave) riding my bike in the Capitol!
My sympathies to Dave. May you rest in peace Mrs. Melum, a great lady!