LOLABELL BETTIN
April 13, 1925 – March 8, 2011

Lolabell Bettin, age 85 of the Hubbard, MN area peacefully passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids, MN.
Lola was born on April 13, 1925 in Jackson County, MN to Lawrence and Mabel R. (Guritz) Mier. She attended country school near her home. As a young woman, Lola helped her family raise vegetables, chickens and eggs which they marketed in the local community. On March 11, 1944, she was united in marriage to Marland “Bud” Bettin in Jackson. This union was blessed with three children: Darlene, Judy and James. In 1946, the Bettin family moved to Northern MN where they settled near Hubbard southeast of Park Rapids. They engaged in dairy farming and also raised hogs and chickens. Lola worked right along side her husband in caring for the livestock and working hard in the fields raising the crops needed to feed their herd. In addition to the farm work, Lola dedicated herself to making a warm and loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker and will be long remembered for her delicious fried chicken and deviled eggs. When the children were grown, Lola began working at Ringer Manufacturing for several years. Later, she gained employment with the Menahga Sr. Citizens where she worked as supervisor in a career that spanned 25 years. Lola loved the out doors; especially, each spring when she would plant a large vegetable garden which she would nurture into fruitful abundance to can for the needs of her growing family. She also enjoyed raising beautiful flowers into colorful splendor for all to see and enjoy. Lola also followed NASCAR and especially enjoyed the thrills of her son’s own racing successes. For many years, Lola was a member of the Sebeka American Legion Post #456. Above all, Lola dedicated her life to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who she loved with all her heart.
She will be lovingly remembered by her three children: Darlene (David) Gruchow of Park Rapids, MN, Judy (Cleo) Bach of Backus, MN and James (Sue) Bettin of Menahga, MN; her 10 grandchildren and 13 precious great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren; her sister, Lillian DeCombaz of Wenatchee, WA; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Lola was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1990; two sisters: Betty and Violet and one brother, Ervin.
Funeral services will be held 1:30 PM Saturday, March 12, 2011 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with the Reverend Laurie Kantonen officiating. Special music recordings from the Jones-Pearson Tape library include: “Rock of Ages”, “In The Garden” and “On Eagle’s Wings”. The casketbearers will be her grandsons: Josh Bettin, James “Jimmy” Bettin, Jr., David Gruchow Jr., Rod Gruchow, Russel Bach and nephew, Melvin Halverson. Honorary casketbearers will be her granddaughters: Tena Odens, Kimberly Gruchow, Michelle Weaver, Lisa Tovar and Meridee McDeid. Interment will be made in the Hubbard Cemetery next to her husband. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 PM on Friday, March 11, 2011 and on Saturday beginning one hour prior to the service.