Bette Zattau

Bette Zattau, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, pastor, and friend, passed away peacefully with her loved ones close by after a long and brave battle against Alzheimer's. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Bert Kovacs; her infant daughter, Julie; and her in-laws, Bob Sr. and Claramae (Suzie) Zattau.
She married Bob, a high school classmate in 1964, and they had their two children in Ohio before moving to Illinois for his job transfer, as both were seeking new opportunities for growth. A McHenry County resident for over 40 years, Bette was a late bloomer, attending college in her 40's while focusing on various aspects of church life, which sparked her interest in continuing education. She was accepted into the Chicago Theological Seminary, where she pursued a Master of Divinity degree, which she was awarded in 1993. Her work included being a nursing home chaplain and serving as an associate pastor at three area churches. She embraced each role with enthusiasm, contributing to preaching, weddings, funerals, baptisms, women's groups, retreats, and spiritual counseling. Her faith was unwavering, and she remained steadfast in her commitment to serving God's people.
Upon her retirement in 2009, she and Bob began spending winters out west, always bringing along their beloved dog, Maggie. Each year their trips grew longer as they kept the Midwest winters in their rearview mirror. Arizona and California held special places in her heart. Both before and after retirement, Bette found time to be actively involved in her grandchildren's lives, attending almost all events, including practices. She was blessed with a big heart and always put the needs of others above her own.
Bette is survived by her husband, Bob; her daughter, Jennifer, and her ex-husband, Ken Ezop; her son, Eric; her sister, Beverly; and her grandchildren, Danielle, Allyson, Matthew, and Kira, along with many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Alden Terrace McHenry and JourneyCare Hospice for their compassionate care and support. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date to reflect on and remember all that Bette was to her family, friends, and churchgoers.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Justen Funeral Home, McHenry, Illinois. For information, please call the Funeral Home at 815-385-2400, or visit www.justenfh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Bette on her tribute wall.