Bette Ragusa Winkler

Bette is preceded in death by her beloved husband of nearly 65 years, Joseph C. “Joe” Winkler, Jr. She is survived by sons Joseph C. Winkler III (Susan); Dennis E. Winkler (Kathy), Wayne D. Winkler (Kerry), and daughter Sandra Winkler Braniff (Perry). Bette was known as Grammee to her seven grandchildren: Adam M. Winkler, Joseph C. Winkler IV, Christine Winkler Rainey, Ross M. Winkler, Brian J. Winkler, Perry Braniff, Jr., Danielle Braniff, and 10 great grandchildren.

Bette, a native of New Orleans, is preceded in death by her father, Milton E. Ragusa, Sr., mother Otillia Johnson Ragusa, and sister Joyce Landry. Bette is survived by sisters Audrey Enzor, Jackie Hopkins, Phyliss LaBauve, and brother Milton E. “Butch” Ragusa, Jr. (Ellen), as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Married as teenagers on June 2, 1950, Bette & Joe decided early in their marriage that she would be a homemaker and full-time mother. Nonetheless, in those early years, she often supplemented the family income with work-at-home jobs – Tupperware, Avon, telephone research surveys. She shrewdly managed the checkbook and was adept at saving a penny, nickel or quarter to pay for special things.

It seemed that Bette and Joe were always together, contributing to their children’s activities, attending family events, traveling to fairs and festivals, participating in square dance performances around the region, and, of course, evacuating New Orleans storms.

When Joe retired from Boh Bros. Construction Co. in 1991 at age 60, Bette was his willing navigator on road trips across the country, mostly to take part in grandchildren activities and otherwise stay connected with family. Family was always a priority with family and friends frequently hosted at their home. Family became a more important focus during retirement years. Bette’s bright smile, her dancing and singing will be missed by family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family in a celebration of Bette’s life. A funeral Mass will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA on Tuesday, January 4. Visitation will begin on Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, January 4, from 10:00 a.m. until 12 noon, when a Mass will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. To view and sign the family and guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com