Bette Jane Dilla

Bette Dilla, age 82, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 23, 2025.

Memorial Service will be at 11 AM on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Newport United Methodist, 1596 11th Avenue; Newport, MN with a visitation from 10 - 11 AM prior to the service. All are invited to lunch following the service. 

Bette was born on February 26, 1942 to Lt. Colonel Ivan and Marion (Russell) Dimmick in Denver Colorado. When Bette was a child her family traveled extensively with her father being a doctor in the Army. It took them to international places at times even including Iran and Japan. She later received her business education from Bemidji State. Bette was united in marriage to the love of her life Richard "Dick" Dilla on December 26, 1960. When her children were young she enjoyed staying at home with them but later worked in catering serving a number of local assisted living homes in the area. Bette founded a food ministry called "Food for Friends" in which she recruited more than 67 churches to help support those who were in need of food for over 13 years. This effort represents the legacy Bette left of her generous, persistent, caring spirit driven by her great love of others. 

Bette enjoyed her trips up north with family and friends, the annual family trip to the State Fair, Japanese culture and Christmas which she kept up all year long at her house. She was also very involved at church through the years. She was a devoted Wife, Mom and doting Grandma, caring for anyone who came across her path. She will be missed for her gregarious personality, strong will, huge heart and her wonderful specialty dishes that she blessed so many with. 

Bette is survived by her husband Richard "Dick"; children Don (Suzanne), Beth (Darryl) Nelson, Bob (Mary), and Mark (Lindsey); grandchildren Dane (Miranda) Nelson, Drew (Jeannie) Nelson, Grant Dilla, Parker (Han Zhao) Dilla, Brian Dilla, Hailey Dilla, Hunter Dilla and Charlie Dilla; great-grandchildren; Leyna and Archie Nelson; siblings Priscilla (Richard) Storch, and Kay (Paul) Anderson; sister-in-law (Phyllis) Dimmick; also beloved nieces, nephews and other family. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Lt. Colonel Ivan and Marion Dimmick; Uncle Homer & Auntie Lee Dimmick; grandchild Graham Nelson, brother Lt. Colonel Charles Dimmick; nephew Todd Dilla and great-niece Tawnee Rose Nelson.

The family encourages memorials be made to your local food shelf, or the following organizations in Bette’s honor: Friends in Need
(St. Paul Park/Cottage Grove area) or Neighbors, Inc. (South St. Paul).