Bettie passed away on November 24, 2021, at the age of 81. She was born May 10, 1940, in Mountain View, Wyoming, to Ralph and Margaret Shurtleff Anderton. She married Dale Kessimakis in 1958, later divorcing. Bettie loved to travel, read, garden, and enjoyed dabbling in the stock market. She was incredibly patriotic; she loved her country and the American flag that waved outside her living room window. Bettie’s greatest joy in life was her family. She’d bend every listening ear with stories and memories of their adventures. She leaves behind three daughters, Cindy Skinner, Laurie (James) Forsman, Danna (Dave) Smith, six grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sisters, Carol (Vaughn) Barrett, Donna (Marty) Terry, Barbi Ford, her brothers, Les, Clark, Ralph Anderton, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. Bettie is preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Diana Sparks, Alice Hamilton, Louise McAllister, Baby Jean, Bob Anderton, and Kenneth Anderton. Her absence leaves a void in the lives of many, but we can find comfort in the words of author Hazel Gaynor, “To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die.”

A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family. In addition, Bettie will be honored in a virtual celebration of life via a video memorial in the coming months. In place of flowers, please send donations in her memory to The American Legion Auxiliary, National Headquarters, 3450 Founders Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268.