These obituaries appeared in the Star-Herald newspaper in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
Elizabeth "Bette" Fitts (1918-2009)
Elizabeth "Bette" Fitts, 90, of Scottsbluff, died Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.
Her memorial service will be Thursday, Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m., at First Baptist Church in Scottsbluff, with Pastor James Green officiating. A graveside service will be 9:30 a.m., prior to the service at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. A memorial has been established to First Baptist Church.
Friends may call at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel Wednesday, from 1 to 8 p.m. Tributes of sympathy may be left at http://www.dugankramer.com/.
Bette was born July 5, 1918, in Scottsbluff, to Harry O. and Myrtle (Hills) McKinnon. She grew up and attended school in the Lake Alice Community and graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1936. She married William A. Fitts Nov. 18, 1937, in Scottsbluff. They farmed in the Hillcrest area for many years. Bette worked for United Telephone Company as clerk and telephone operator for twenty-six years retiring in 1982.
She was a member of First Baptist Church and volunteered at Regional West Medical Center. She enjoyed playing Bridge and being with her family.
She is survived by her sons, Errol L. (Darlene) Fitts of Omaha, Neb., and William M. (Carolyn) Fitts of Scottsbluff; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and an infant brother.
Read the eulogy that I gave at Grandmother's funeral by clicking here.
Audrey Towater (1924-2011)
Audrey Lucile Towater, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, died Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.
Audrey was born June 28, 1924 to John L. and Lucile (Baxter) Fuller. She received her education in Scottsbluff schools where she was active in music, playing the piano, saxophone, and oboe and was a drum major and twirled baton. She attended Scottsbluff Junior College and met Lou Towater, who was a pilot stationed at the Scottsbluff Air Base during World War II. They married in November of 1943 in Jackson, Tennessee. After Lou's discharge from the service they returned to Scottsbluff where they farmed family land.
Audrey was a professional artist who loved painting for people all around the state and nation. She loved to document events as they took place -- painting sports events, operas, buildings, festivals, at schools, etc. Many paintings were presented as gifts or donations.
She belonged to several groups and organizations: North Platte Valley Artists Guild, Questers, Pen Women, Christian Womens Club, Scottsbluff Kiwanis Club, BPW, Red Hat Society, Republican Women, Ambassadors, First United Methodist Church, several Bible study groups, the Jesus Film Translation, and several Bridge Clubs.
Audrey had a great love for animals and went out of her way to be kind to them.
Her hobbies included reading, writing, antiques and playing cards. She enjoyed her family and loved being with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Lou; daughters: Carolyn (Bill) Fitts and Vicki (Terry) Adams of Scottsbluff; son Tom T. Towater of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandsons: Joel (Anna) Fitts of Frisco, Texas, Samuel Adams of Portland, Oregon, and Hans (JuYoung) Adams of Lincoln, Nebraska; granddaughters: Laura (Aaron) Smith of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Sarah (Mike) Bell of Parker, Colorado; great grandchildren: Creighton Smith, Skylar Smith, Thayer Smith, Kate Fitts, Emma Fitts, Jack Bell and Blaire Bell.
Audrey was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Blaine.
Memorials have been established to Audrey Towater Awards at West Nebraska Arts Center, Panhandle Humane Society and the Jesus Film Translation. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com
Read the eulogy that I gave at Grandma's funeral by clicking here.
See examples of Grandma's paintings at the Audrey Towater Online Gallery