Betty J. Jennings

Betty J. Jennings, 94, of Chippewa Falls, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 20, 2023, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls with family by her side.

Betty was born on May 6, 1929, to Albert F. and Norma L. (Winter) Marg in Neillsville WI.

Betty was fortunate to have two great loves in her life.  She married Patrick H. Plunkett, the father of her six children, in Marshfield WI on January 18, 1949. She married John H. Jennings on July 26, 1975, in The Little Brown Church, Nashua IA and shared a love-filled life with him until he died on April 7, 2023.

Betty graduated high school in Neillsville WI and was called “Beautiful” by her classmates, not only for her outer beauty but her inner beauty as well. With her wonderful singing voice, Betty participated in Glee Club, Mixed Chorus and Triple Trio.  She was also active in Pep Club, held class officer positions, acted in several play productions, and was part of the girls’ bowling league.

Some of the gifts Betty shared during her high school years carried on throughout her life. She sang in church choirs wherever she lived, including Greenwood WI, Waukon IA, where she lived with John for many years after their marriage in 1975, and at Holy Ghost Parish and Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls. She was always grateful that she lived so close to Notre Dame, so that she was able to walk to Mass. She continued to enjoy bowling, winning many high score awards.  Additional activities that brought joy to Betty were playing bingo and bridge, and golfing with John. In her later years, she was especially fond of taking car rides with John and her children, thoroughly experiencing, and enjoying the sights around her. She was gifted with a wit and sense of humor that she continued to share with those around her even in her last days.

Although Betty worked outside the home in various capacities during her lifetime, including a medical lab in Marshfield WI upon graduation from high school, a pharmacy, a dental office, Avon representative, accounting office as a receptionist and bookkeeper, jewelry representative, owner of The Wedding Place in Waukon IA, and “Lunch Lady” at Holy Ghost Parish in Chippewa Falls (and the kids loved her!), her greatest passion was being a homemaker, wife and mother. And she did not disappoint in this role! Even with six children, she kept a clean and organized home.  And, she excelled at baking, leaving her children and grandchildren with many “warm” memories. She baked the best brownies which no one can seem to duplicate even following her recipe, the smell of warm, baking bread cannot even be described, and there were always fresh baked cookies, with extra varieties at Christmas, in the house. It had to be quite a feat to keep the cookie jar full for a family of eight! And, that cookie jar remained full for her grandchildren to stop by and raid each day after school. She loved her children with all her heart; they were her greatest joy and accomplishment in life.

Betty is survived by her children, Bethany Ann (Larry) Ketchum, Jean Carol (Joe) Bernier, Brian Shane (Robin) Plunkett, Karen Lynn (Pete) Saltness, and Kristine Marie Selberg; her grandchildren, Ben (Amy) Madson, Rachel (Damon Friedeck) Prince, David (Jennifer) Prince, Tara (Scott McCord) Ketchum, Steven (Sonja) Ketchum, Ryan Selberg, Scott (Kori) Anderson, Stacy (Mike) Nelson-Martin, Cari (Joe) Loftsgorton, and Jason (Ruthy) Saltness; great-grandchildren, Carter Madson, Skyelar Friedeck, Elon and Oliver Prince, Solvi and Ivar McCord, Sydney Ward, Rylee DeMao, Baylee Anderson, Harley Martin, Payton Nelson, Branden and Devin Molinaro, Levi, Lucas and Lee Saltness; a sister, Shirley; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Patrick; second husband, John; son, Patrick Joseph Plunkett; sisters, Elaine and Delores; and sons-in-law, Steven Madson and Joel Prince.

Betty/Mom/Grandma Betty you were a God-given gift to our family and will be sadly missed, but joyfully remembered. Thank you for your love and the wonderful memories. We love you.

Betty’s family would like to thank the staff at the Wisconsin Veterans Home and St. Joseph’s Hospice care givers for the care, compassion, kindness and concern for our mother and our family during these last months of her life. Thanks to all of you.

The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 27, 2023, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Chippewa Falls, with a visitation one hour prior to Mass at church. Fr. Jesse Burish will be officiating. The interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls.

For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed/recorded and available to view at https://www.pedersonvolker.com/obituaries/betty-jennings.

In Lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or perennial in your yard or another place of significance to you, in remembrance of Betty, as she so enjoyed planting, tending and viewing her own flower gardens.