Kathleen Mary Bett

Kathleen (Kathy) M. Bett, 82, passed away peacefully on March 9th, 2025 after a significant journey with Alzheimer's disease. She maintained her appreciation of beauty, with her beloved partner of over 20 years, Ellen Diedrich, lovingly beside her.
Kathy was adventurous by nature and had a genuine love of life. Not everyone's grandmother could be found on a motorcycle, but this one was guaranteed to make you smile as she rode in on hers. She expressed herself through several artistic mediums including oil painting, stained glass, portrait sketches and floral arrangements, to name a few.
Finding a kindred spirit in her partner Ellen, they created a life filled with unconditional love, joyous laughter, and wonderful adventures.
Family was so important to her, and she deeply loved her children, Debbie, Richard (Wife Allison Kruse), Michael and Jim (deceased). Her memory will always fill the hearts of her extended family, Ellen's children Lisa and Oystein Dreyer along with Natalie and Sean Korb. Her beloved grandchildren brought out her playful side including Brandon (Wife Marissa), Corey, Sarah, Nevin, Ian and Jaxon.
Kathy's cherished laughter and adventurous spirit were contagious. You could often find her laughing out loud or in the center of a joy filled room, making those around her smile.
Kathy worked at the Milwaukee County Public Transit system for over 25 years. During this time, she advanced to Head of Training and left a lasting impact on those she worked with. She was known to lead her team by example, never asking others to do something she wasn't willing to do herself. She was also resilient, which likely led her to encounter an abandoned kitten in the back of her office building. She opened her heart and rescued the kitten who would later be named Pywacket (meaning "familiar spirit" from the 1958 film Bell, Book and Candle). Pywacket and her Goldendoodle sister, Maggie, were both with Kathy, as her "familiar spirit" transitioned into Heaven.
We invite you to join us for Kathy's Memorial on Friday March 28th, 2025 at Hartson Funeral Home, 11111 W. Janesville Rd., Hales Corners, WI 53130, at 1:00pm.
Please consider honoring Kathy with a floral/ plant arrangement and/or tribute to The Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org.