Bette May Grandstrom Harsky Avakian Conrad, 84, of Fontana, passed away on Friday, Oct. 24, 2014, surrounded by her loving family.
Bette grew up in Beverly, Ill., where she worked in the steel and construction industry. She moved to Fontana in 1964 where she raised her three children. She loved the waters of Lake Geneva and taking the kids to the beach. She was an active member at the Community Church of Fontana where she enjoyed playing the organ, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. She had a natural talent for creating decorative home accessories and volunteered her time teaching craft classes at Inspiration Ministries.
She loved her garden and plants, and shared this love with her grandchildren every summer. Her true passion was her family and socializing with her dear friends. From back in the dance hall days, to the recent Green Bay Packer tailgate parties, Bette was always the life of the party. Her favorite spot may have been at home, sitting at the dining room table, entertaining friends and family with stories from the past, or playing a quiet game of cards with Jimmy. Bette was a hardworking, loving woman with a true heart of gold and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her husband, James Richard Conrad; her sister, Charlotte Eleanor Esther Grandstrom; and her children Bobette Ruth Harsky Miller Huizenga, Jerry Vaughn Avakian, and Keg Alan Avakian (Amy). She was adored by her grandchildren Virgil Miller (Rose), Keg Alan Avakian Jr., Michael Steven Avakian, and Suzanne Elizabeth Avakian.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Carl Seth Grandstrom, and her sister, Dorothy Ruth.
A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Community Church of Fontana, 275 Kinzie Ave., Fontana.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Inspiration Ministries, P.O. Box 948, Walworth, WI 53184.
Toynton Walworth Funeral Home is assisting the family.
