Mary Elizabeth "Bette" Kent

Kent, Mary Elizabeth "Bette" (nee Millar) Of Edina, MN passed away on August 11, 2013, her 91st birthday. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hervey and Ruth (Clausen) Millar, her husband of nearly 50 years, Richard A. Kent, and her special friend, Frederick J. Souba. She is survived by her sister, Alice Greer, cousins, nieces and nephews. Bette was born in St. Paul, MN, graduated from West HS, Minneapolis, in 1941, with her future husband. Bette won an art scholarship but instead worked at Minneapolis Honeywell and The Minneapolis Federal Reserve during the war years. Bette also modeled for fashion stores such as Dayton's and Donaldson's. Bette and Richard, a Marine who served in the South Pacific, were married in Minneapolis on December 22, 1945 at Grace Presbyterian Church. Richard became an IBM employee, and the couple moved to Colorado and California, but finally settled in Edina. Bette, strongly influenced by the writings of Rachel Carson, became a tireless advocate for the environment and animal welfare. She joined and supported organizations such as Earth Save, the Animal Rights Coalition, and the Animal Humane Society of the US. Bette will be missed by her family, friends and the many organizations for which she advocated. A 10:00 AM graveside service is planned at Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave. S., Mpls 55408 on Friday, August 16, 2013. Please gather at the front gate at 9:45 AM.