Betty Petran

Betty Petran

Betty Petran, age 94 of Wausau, quietly passed away on Friday, July 5, 2013.

Betty was born on December 28, 1918 in Olathe, Kansas to the late Frank and Daisy (Stoughton) Hardin. She married Russell Petran on April 14, 1945 and moved to Wausau soon thereafter to start a family and begin a jewelry business. She helped her husband establish and operate Petran Jewelers for more than three decades in downtown Wausau.

Before meeting Russell in Peoria, IL, Betty studied art and managed a photographic studio doing hand coloring. Her creative talents were apparent in her love of quilting, knitting, and painting. She also enjoyed playing bridge with many friends; planting flower gardens, and above all else, devoted her life to her family.

Survivors include her children Robert (Ruth Ann) Petran of Ann Arbor, MI, James (Nina) Petran of Iowa City, IA, and Barbara (Jay) St. Clair of Wausau; brother William (Marian) Hardin; grandchildren: Amanda (Leighton) Rockafellow, Russell Petran, Samuel Petran, Nora Petran, Chris Millin, Brad Millin, and Mike Pueschner; and great granddaughter Madeline Millin.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Ann Crawshaw and brother Norton Hardin.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 12, 2013 at First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant St., Wausau. The Rev. Joy Nelson-Jeffers will officiate. Burial will take place in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 1:00 pm until the time of the service at the church on Friday.

Brainard Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com