Obituary: Betty Jane (Gant) Van Buren - Class of 1950

MADISON- Betty Jane Van Buren came into this world on Oct. 16, 1931 and left for eternal life on Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007. She passed away from emphysema/COPD. Betty died with her family present. Betty was a mother, daughter, sister, grandma, great grandma and friend. She was equally great to all of them. Betty?s generosity was second to none. She would help anyone without reservation and would give the shirt off her back. Betty grew up a farmer's daughter in Mineral Point, before moving to Madison, to attend Central High School. After high school, she started her family on Madison's east side. She enjoyed many things throughout her life, but most of all, her family. Betty will be missed dearly by all who loved her. Her laugh, wit and even the glare she gave when you did something wrong. We will miss it all. We love you always and forever. Betty will be reunited in heaven with her mother, Lillian Gant and father, Morris Gant. Betty is survived by her children, Fred (Kimmy) VanBuren, Rick (Julie) Schaffer, Sue Schaffer, Bill (Kathy) Schaffer and Mary (Tim) Welsh. She is further survived by her sisters, Charlotte (Delbert) Bertroch, Millie (Ole) Olson and Marian (Harold) Schmalz; and 11 grandchildren Ian and Graham Welsh, Jenifer and Ashley Schaffer, Sheila (Elliot) Brakmanis, Nathan (Ashley) Schaffer, Ellery (Courtney) Schaffer, Tiffany (Rob) Crim, Crystal Sadek, Wil Sadek and the newest grandchild Rachel Van Buren. She is also survived by six great grandchildren, Tanner, Hailey, Willie, Cole, Bo and Chloe. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, 2007, at the CRESS FUNERAL HOME, where friends may call from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Dr. David J. Berggren will officiate. Burial will take place in the Graceland Cemetery in Mineral Point. The family would like to acknowledge the staff of Meriter Hospital, Waunakee Manor, Madison Coalition of Aging and especially the staff of HospiceCare of Madison. Thank you all!Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 3325 E. Washington Ave. (608) 249-6666

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on August 10, 2007

Note: Betty Jane (Gant) Van Buren's class year is based on information in the 1950 Tychoberahn, where her photograph is included with the graduating seniors.