Bette Jo Farrey

Bette Jo Farrey, 63, of Madison, Wisconsin, formerly of Benton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2009, at her home surrounded by family. Bette courageously battled breast cancer for over eleven years. Although there were tears and disappointments along the way, Bette maintained a positive outlook on life. She fought her battle with dignity and taught everyone around her the meaning of hope and strength. . Bette was born on July 12, 1945, at the Hazel Green Hospital in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, the daughter of Joseph H. and Doris (McNett) Dawson. She was raised in rural Cuba City, Wisconsin, and graduated in 1963 from the Cuba City High School. Continuing her education, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Bette married in 1968 and is survived by her life partner, Thomas R. “Butch” Farrey. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 2008. She was blessed with two children, Brettson Thomas (Melissa) Farrey, of Madison, Wisconsin, and Wendy Jo (Jeff) Hansing, of Milton, Wisconsin. She also is survived by a sister, Judy (Bill) Behnke, of Galena, Illinois; and four grandchildren, Tyler, age 12, Ethan, age 10, Ashley, age 9, and Zach, age 7, who she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents. The family wishes to thank Gilda’s Club, UW Cancer Center and the Fitchburg Hospice Care Center for their compassionate support and care during Bette’s end of life journey.