Bettye McBurney Mistrot

Born October 10, 1942

Died November 13, 2016

Survived by her husband of 15 years, Jim Mistrot; daughter, Danice Oliver; granddaughter, Lauren Oliver; brother, Lewy Evans; niece, Sheila O’Malley; nephew, Russell Evans; also beloved family members Lesli and Kurt Tentinger, John and Melanie Mistrot, Mark and Stefanie Mistrot, Mike Mistrot and Selena Foster, Larry Mistrot, Charlyn Jannasch, Greg and Margarita Jannasch; numerous grandchildren and many, many cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lewy and Evelyn Evans; her brother, Earnest Evans; her husband of 32 years, Clark McBurney; and her son-in-law, Kenneth Oliver.

Early in her life she was a beautiful dancer gracing the stage with many ballet performances and was a majorette with the Jones High School band as well as a member of the debate team. In 1960 she met Clark and her world changed forever. They worked hard to build Modern Patterns into a successful business employing many people throughout the years while showering their daughter with a fairytale childhood, loving home and solid foundation of support. Bettye was blessed again in later life to marry Jim and they enjoyed travels around the US, Canada and Ireland. They loved having the entire family and extended family over and celebrated many special occasions at their home.

Bettye was known for her artistic abilities which spanned many mediums over the years but came to focus on watercolor as her favorite and as favored by her many, many admirers. She was a lover of pets and rescuer of the lost or injured - be they animals or people; an avid bridge player; a green thumb gardener and a wonderful homemaker and hostess entertaining many friends and family throughout the years.

In 1993 she was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. While this can be a debilitating and wretched disease she battled it valiantly and made a mental and physical choice to never, ever “sit down”. Much as in life, even in death she chose to leave her body to medical science in the hope a cure could be found and less people might suffer as she had.

In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in her honor.