Betty Marlow

Betty C. Marlow, long-time resident of Siren, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away August 20, 2014 with daughter, Carolyn, by her side. Betty was born on January 31, 1925 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Caroline and Earl Root. Soon afterward the family moved to Webster until Betty was in the fifth grade when they settled in Siren, Wisconsin. Unfortunately, Betty fell on ice causing nerve damage that resulted in loss of speech and paralysis of her legs for two years. During that time, she lived with loving Aunt Ann and Aunt Inez who cared for her. Betty returned to Siren School where she entered the eighth grade but her nerves got the best of her. Nervousness followed her the rest of her life. A strong will made her tough in crises and determined to persevere - which she did! Betty married Edward S. Marlow in Phoenix, Arizona in 1947. They returned to Edward’s home in Mattoon, Illinois, and finally settled in Siren, Wisconsin. Her life was rich and varied, with the joys and challenges and fun that a full life brings. Long-legged with beautiful posture, she modeled millinery (hats) early in life with a lifelong passion for stunning hats to match her ensembles. Her sense of fashion paralleled her electric personality. Betty had a strong presence which she exhibited in her love of dance. With long-time dance partner, Lucille Chelmo, they glided over many area dance floors three or four times a week. Betty was fun and exciting with a quick smile and outstanding sense of humor that she shared with family and friends. Betty’s personality reached out to people, especially when she was selling anything...apparel, textiles and antiques. She was happiest when selling at any venue...garage and yard sales, VFW, stores, gift shops and finally at the nursing home. Betty was a devoted mother to her five children and immersed them in her deepest love. She survived the death of her 11 year old son, Jade, who she called her jewel, living with the pain that only the loss of a child can bring. So raise your glasses high and dance with joy to your favorite dance tune, wearing a snazzy hat, to the life and death of Betty Marlow. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward; son, Jade; and sister, Earline. Betty leaves to celebrate her memory, her daughter, Carolyn Marlow (Gary Nelson); sons: Steven (Betty Jo), Kirk (Cathleen), and Robin (Kathy); grandchildren: Chance, Kolt, Sirae, Jace and Rachael; great grandchildren: Skylar, Brayden, Saidra, Ruby, Paxton, Maddox and Jaxon Jade; siblings: Forest (Rae Carol), Lyle, Lona (Charlie) and Jerry (Dorothy). She is also survived by a host of loving nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. A special debt of gratitude goes to the Med Surg unit at St. Croix Falls Medical Center who provided loving, caring and considerate nurses and staff, and the Frederic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with their devoted family of nurses and staff who enjoyed Betty so much. A celebration of her life will be held on August 28, 2014 at 11:00 AM (visitation 10-11 AM) at the United Methodist Church, 24025 First Avenue, Siren, Wisconsin with Pastor Tom Cook officiating. Share Betty’s spirit and wear a hat to the service! Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Siren Chapel. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com.