Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Betty Pettis
Betty Ann Pettis was born on January 18, 1930, the daughter of Raymond and Erna (Steinke) Rice.
She was raised in Fairchild alongside her eight siblings and graduated from Fairchild High School. During her high school years, Betty worked at local restaurants in Fairchild and also at the Pettis Dairy Bar in Augusta.
On November 21, 1949, Betty was united in marriage to Leland Ivan Pettis. Shortly after their marriage the couple moved to the Milwaukee area, where they lived in West Allis, Waukesha, Mukwonago, Sullivan and East Troy. In the 1980s, they returned to the Augusta area and made their home in Otter Creek Township.
While living in Waukesha, Betty worked for Amron, an ordnance plant, and later took great pride in working from home selling Avon, Tupperware, and various other items. One of Betty’s greatest callings in life was caregiving. Alongside her husband Lee, and with the support of sons Terry and Kenneth, Betty fostered more than 50 children over a span of 50 years. Several of those children became as close to Betty and Lee as their own family, a testament to her generous heart, patience, and unwavering dedication to others.
Betty was a gifted crocheter, known for creating beautiful afghans and dolls. She also loved tending to her flower beds and enjoyed traveling, especially when it meant spending time with family. Those who knew Betty will remember her quick wit, warm smile, and sharp sense of humor. She was known for having the last word and delivering it with a grin.
Prior to her husband Lee’s passing in July of 2018, Lee and Betty made their home at Dove Healthcare Center in Osseo. Following Lee’s death, Betty required additional care and since 2018 resided at Care Partners Assisted Living in Altoona. While there, she became part of the St. Croix Hospice program, where she was cherished by staff and known for her remarkable resilience. Betty was St. Croix Hospice’s longest-serving client, often surprising caregivers with her strength and determination during times when her health declined.
Betty passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, December 13, 2025, at Care Partners Assisted Living in Altoona, at the age of 95.
Betty will be dearly missed by her children: Terry Pettis of Augusta, Kenneth Pettis (Darlene Pesicek) of Palmyra, Charles (Nancy) Lysaght of East Troy, Richard Lysaght of Altoona, Kathy Eales of Elkhorn, and Brenda Pettis of Augusta; daughter-in-law Teresa Lysaght of East Troy; 12 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her only sister-in-law of her siblings, Evelyn Rice of Florida; and her Pettis bothers and sisters-in-law: Harriet (Daryl) Dehnke of Eau Claire; Ellis and Marjorie Petti, Virginia Schwoch, Marcella Pettis, Beverly Pettis, and Jo Kolpien all of Augusta.
In addition to her husband Lee, Betty was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Melody Ann Pettis in 1961; son, John Lysaght; granddaughter Wendy Sherfinski; grandson Charles Lysaght; daughters-in-law, Janet Pettis, Carolee Pettis and Susan Pettis; and by her siblings, Ralph (Jessica) Rice, Donald (Rossy) Rice, Arnold Rice, Leonard (Elaine) Rice, Beverly Albright, Dolores (Milton) Lemke, Kathryn (Arnold) Klukas, and Arlene (Richard) Hartley.
A celebration of Betty’s life will be held in the spring of 2026.
Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com
