Bette Couden, 87, of Dousman, passed away Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010.

Bette was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa. She was a graduate of Stephens College and Northwestern University and worked as an elementary school teacher. Her kindness, warm smile and genuine love for others will be missed by all who knew her.

Bette is survived by her children, James (Nancy) Couden, John (Amanda) Couden and Candice Couden; grandchildren, Elizabeth Couden, Charles Couden, Joshua Couden, Connie Couden, Robert Couden and Shelby Romero; great-grandchildren, Ashley, Nicholas, Emily and Michael Romero and Jimmy Couden; along with other relatives and friends.

Bette was preceded in death by her husband, Earle P. Couden, and her parents, Charles and Elizabeth Wantz.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you for the kind and compassionate care given to Bette at Riverside Lodge in Dousman and Golden Living Center and Aseracare Hospice in Watertown.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service Saturday, Oct. 2, at First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa, S37-W35415 Highway D, Dousman, WI 53118. Private burial will be held for the family.

Memorials are suggested to American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society.

Pagenkopf Funeral Home is serving the family. For more information, call 567-4457 or visit www.pagenkopf.com.