Bette Mae (Russell) Dorava, age 87, a 40-year resident of Skanawan Township, passed away Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 at Country Terrace in Tomahawk.
Bette was born Oct. 22, 1933 in Jump River, Wis., to Edwin and Inga (Petersen) Russell. She married Elmer G. Dorava on Feb. 15, 1953. Together they owned a gas station and garage in Perkinstown, Wis., until they moved to a small farm in Irma, Wis., in 1960. Bette especially loved feeding birds, watching wildlife, picking wild berries, her vegetable garden and growing flowers. She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in Merrill, Wis.
Bette is survived by five children: – Sandra Prebeg of Sun Prairie, Wis., Cynthia (John) Schaffer of Tomahawk, Larry (Joyce) Dorava of Rhinelander, Joe (Anne) Dorava of Irma and Edwin Dorava of Represa, Calif.; and ten grandchildren – Melanie Dorava, Jason Dorava, Melissa McGinnis, Alexander Prebeg , Angela (Sam) Bourassa , Joshua Schaffer, Kelly (Kameron) Haugen, Jared (Hannah) Schaffer, Nikolas (Susana) Dorava, and Dylan Dorava. She also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren – Paris Haugen, Emily and Isaac Bourassa, Lucas, Kaitlyn and Jacob Messenlehner and Levi Dorava; two brothers – Ivan (Annette) Russell and Donald (Joan) Russell; preceded in death by husband – Elmer, her parents, sisters – Ethel Foster, Rose Sweet, Helen Wachsmuth.
The Funeral Service for Bette Dorava was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021 at the Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk. Reverend Jess Wakefield officiated. Visitation took place from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in Perkinstown Community Cemetery, Perkinstown, Wis.
Krueger Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the obituary and share online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.