Betty Lou Vaningan
Betty Lou Vaningan
Obituary
Guest Book
Upcoming Events
Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.
Betty Vaningan Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Betty L. Vaningan, 90, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully at home with her family Monday morning, October 20, 2025.
Betty was born on December 1, 1934, in Altoona, WI, to Russell and Lula (Harmon) Dull. During her life she worked at Peters meats and several meat packing companies. Betty and her husband Donald owned a legendary bar called Don and Betty's Beehive tavern, which they ran until retirement.
Betty was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She loved spending time at their cottage in Chetek with her husband, her children, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, fishing, and sitting around the fire telling stories and reminiscing. She also enjoyed playing cards on most Friday nights with her family. She was a great cook and made the best hot beef sandwiches and fresh cinnamon rolls.
Betty is survived by her family, her grandsons from her deceased daughter Susan and deceased son-in-law Bill Knapp, Brian (Nicky) Knapp, Kevin Knapp and his sons; Devin (Nevaeh Faith); great-great grandson, Kayson Knapp; and his other sons, Karter Knapp, and Keegan Knapp; daughter, Connie Vaningan; her children, Nick Barry, Anastasia (Lucas) Wolbert, Aidan Wolbert, Everly Wolbert, and Harper Wolbert; daughter, Teresa Vaningan; and son, Mark (Lori) Vaningan; Daniel (Mimi Vo) Vaningan, Michael (Lola Capparo) Vaningan, Nathan (Annie) Vaningan, and Philip Vaningan; other loving family Missy Knapp, and Sharon Dull.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Donald of 70 years; her parents, her daughter, Sue Knapp; son-in-law, Bill Knapp; and sisters, Virginia Dull Kinseth, Francis Loggin, Dolly Dull, and brother John R. Dull.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 30th, 2025, at 4:00 pm at Smith Funeral Chapel. There will be a visitation for two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. An inurnment will immediately follow the service at the Northside Lutheran Cemetery.
Family and friends can leave condolences online at www.smithfuneralec.com.
Services
30 Oct
Visitation
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Smith Funeral Chapel 2222 London Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
Text
Google Maps
30 Oct
Funeral Service
04:00 PM
Smith Funeral Chapel 2222 London Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
Text
Google Maps
30 Oct
Burial
05:00 PM
Northside Lutheran Cemetery 1900 Omaha St. Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
Text
Google Maps
by Obituary Assistant
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
2222 London Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Make a Donation
in Betty Vaningan's name
People and places connected with Betty
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Betty's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Betty Vaningan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Upcoming Events
Only 2 days left for delivery to next service.