Betty Ann Melum

Betty Lavering Melum, age 88, passed away at UW Hospital with family and friends by her side on Mon. 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, Colorado; 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 Fri. Nov. 21, 2008 from 2:00 until 4:00 p. m. at CRESS FUNERAL SERVICE, 6021 University Ave.