Marion E. “Bette” Rizzie, age 84, of 2509 5th Avenue South, Escanaba and longtime Gladstone resident, died unexpectedly, Saturday October 22, 2005, at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers.

Bette was born June 10, 1921, in Wakefield, MI, the daughter of William and Mary (Bellmore) Anderson.  She was raised in Wakefield and attended and graduated from the Wakefield schools.  Following her years in high school, Bette went on to attend the Chicago Institute of Art, for 1 year, before continuing on to cosmetology school.  After graduating cosmetology school, Bette went to work to help with her family’s income and expenses during the WWII era.  On January 17, 1942, Bette married Charles Rizzie in Wakefield, MI and she continued her work as a cosmetologist until the end of WWII.  Charles preceded Bette in death on April 26, 1991.  Throughout her life, Bette worked at Gladstone Floral, she worked as a cosmetologist and as a librarian.  Bette was extremely proud of her career as a librarian and worked for 20 years at the Richey Library in New Port Richey, FL.  Bette retired in 1998, at which time, she relocated to Marinette, WI for a short period of 3 years, before moving back to the Escanaba area, closer to her family.

Bette enjoyed baking, sewing and working in her flower garden.  She was very passionate about reading and spent many hours reading countless novels and literature.  Bette was a wonderful artist who loved to create artistic paintings.  Bette was known to be a very private, independent person who loved spending time with her entire family.  She will be deeply missed. 

Survivors include:

1 Son:  Mark (Matthew) Rizzie of San Francisco, CA

3 Daughters:  Pat (Gary) Royer of Wells, MI; Jane (Charles) Wandahsega of Escanaba, MI; Sharon (Jim) Cassidy of Berry, KY

1 Sister:  Doris Richards of Big Rapids, MI

Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary and her husband of 49 years, Charles.

Funeral services for Marion “Bette” Rizzie will be held at the convenience of the Rizzie family.  Committal will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells.