Elizabeth "Bette" Dodge

Elizabeth “Bette” Madeline Dodge, 93, of Ventura, California passed away on October 31, 2017, at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura following a short illness. Bette was born April 10, 1924 in Lockport, Illinois. Beloved daughter to George Peter Adelmann and Florence Marie (Cash) Adelmann.

Bette is survived by her loving son, Joseph Michael Dodge with Diana Mary Roemer; devoted daughter, Colleen Beth Campos and her husband Richard Campos; three grandchildren, Sean Nicholas Campos of Los Angeles, CA., Sierra Nicole Campos of Ventura, and Teri-Lynn Dodge (Bender); the latter providing Bette with two great-grandchildren, Kaden and Cassidi; her older brother, James G. Adelmann Sr. and sister-in-law, Phyllis Adelmann of Plainfield, Illinois; also sisters-in-law, Arlyce Behmetuik and her husband Arthur Behmetuik of Lockport, Illinois and Pat Richer and husband Jim Richer of Sparta,

Wisconsin, along with so many caring nieces and nephews who all were admiring of Bette’s charm.

Bette was preceded in death by her adoring husband, William Burton Dodge born July 11th, 1922 of Lockport, Illinois. After 27 years of marriage, he left us all too soon in 1970. Bette also lived in the memory of her older sister Margerite Maude Adelman of Naperville, Illinois and younger brother Donald Richard Adelmann of Lockport, Illinois.

Bette graduated from Lockport Township High School in 1942. Her nickname in her yearbook was “Red” because of her amazing red-hair. She married her high School sweetheart “Bill’ in April of 1943. Bill worked as an accountant for the local Texaco Oil Refinery to support his family. From there, Dad was sent off with the greatest generation to serve in WWII with the Coast Guard stationed in New York Harbor, Bette followed, working in a button factory there in Brooklyn.

After the war, they returned to Lockport- Texaco welcomed him back with his old job, and their first child Russell Terrance came in 1945; they welcomed their second child Sandra Kay in 1951. Joseph Michael came along in 1958, so Bette was a busy stay-at-home Mom for her three children. We were all active members of St. Dennis Catholic church in Lockport. Health issues forced the family to move to sunny California, Russell and Sandy were finally diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Yet again, Texaco stepped up to help Bill keep his job in a new state, and assisted in the family’s relocation. Despite the difficulties of leaving family and friends behind, the move proved to be a good one, as Russell and Sandra were able to lead longer lives, both living until 1980. The family made sure to make annual summer vacations back to Lockport so we could all keep in touch with family. Those memorable cross country treks continued after our California girl Colleen Beth was born in Ventura in 1965. Around this time, Bette was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. We are all grateful, lucky and awe- inspired to have her in our lives as a 50 year cancer survivor!

To make ends meet after Bill had passed away she took a job as a pre-school teacher’s assistant at Ventura Junior College in 1980 and it was apparent that her love of kids made her a perfect fit for the role. She was employed there for 10 years, and played an impactful role in the upbringing of many young ones. During that time, she became close friends with the Greig family, and Sarah Elizabeth Grieg of Ventura became a long-time family friend and near-constant companion for Bette- she was always Sarah’s “Nanny.”

A lifelong member of Assumption Catholic Church, Bette enjoyed gardening and a quiet family life raising Sarah and grandkids. She maintained the same house for five decades, and was a constant source of love, responsibility and resiliency.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Victoria Care Center in Ventura for Mom’s final months. You could honor her extraordinary life by supporting one of her many favorite charities Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital, National Shrine of Saint Jude Claretian Missionaries or local Catholic Charities in your area.

Her classmates said of her in the Yearbook “Her ways are of pleasantness.” We would all improve the world by emulating a little more pleasantness towards others which Bette had in abundance. We will all remember that part of her character, and all of her many contributions to our lives.

Services will be held Friday, November 10, 2017, 11a.m., at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003. Interment will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.