Obituary of Betty Jane Simdon

Betty Jane Robison Stricker Simdon passed away on 01/05/15 Betty was born May 10, 1928 in Oak Park Illinois to Ida and James Robison. The oldest of six children, she helped care for the family when her father passed away at an early age. Betty married Thomas Edward Stricker II in Chicago August 11, 1951. Together they moved to Cambridge, WI to start their lives side by side, as dairy farmers. What a brave undertaking for two city slickers! Their family grew to five children. Thomas died unexpectedly on February 1, 1971. Their youngest child was one week old. Betty was strong and continued to raise her young family in spite of the many challenges of a single mother. It wasn�t long before a local bachelor fell head over heels in love with Betty and all five children. Betty married Gordon Arthur Simdon on March 18, 1972. Together you could find those newlyweds out on the town; bowling, at card parties, fishing trips and tending to their large vegetable gardens. They always had a zucchini or green pepper to share with their neighbors and friends. Grandma Betty canned all the vegetables and made the best �Purple Pickles� EVER!! Betty was a breast cancer survivor and a liver cancer survivor. She battled heart disease and most recently fought the effects of Alzheimer�s disease. She was widowed twice and raised a disabled son. All those challenges were faced bravely and with determination! Betty always did the best she knew how. Her example produced strong children that are fiercely independent. Betty is survived by her children, Susan Pitts of Phillips, WI , Dawn Muchow (Tom Niehofff) of Phillips, WI, Roanna (Timothy) Lowrey of Cambridge, WI, Brenda Manson (Bryan Wehler) of Fall River, WI and Thomas Stricker III of Fort Atkinson, WI. Brother, Dennis (Wilma) Robison of Pittsburg, KS, Sister, Pat Braun of Melbourn, FL. She also leaves behind nine Grandsons, one Granddaughter and ten Great Grandchildren. Many In-Laws, Nieces and Nephews as well. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first and second husband, two sisters: Juanita Martin and Shirley Barnard, a brother James Robison and a son in-law Larry Pitts. Funeral Services will be held at 5PM on Friday, January 9, 2015 at the Nitardy Funeral Home Chapel, 208 N. Park Street, Cambridge, WI with Pastor Richard Dowling officiating. Visitation will be from 3-5PM on Friday, January 9, 2015 at the Nitardy Funeral Home, Cambridge, WI until the time of the services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial to the Alzheimer�s Association, 620 S. 76th Street, Suite 160, Milwaukee, WI 53214-1549.