Betty Jane (Whitcraft) Southwell

MADISON-Betty Jane (Whitcraft) Southwell, age 83, died peacefully on Thursday, April 5, 2012, after a brief illness.

Betty was born on July 2, 1928, in Lansing, Mich., the daughter of Alma Whitcraft. She moved to Madison in the 1950’s. Betty was a longtime member of Lakeview Moravian Church. She was a volunteer at her church and the Salvation Army. Betty loved animals, but had a special affection for cats, especially black cats. Most of her cats were strays she kindly took in as members of the family. Betty loved to read, travel, and liked to play the “slot machines”.

Betty was the loving wife of the late Virgil “Johnny” Southwell; the loving mother to Michael and Steve (Stephanie); and the proud grandmother of Robert and Eric Southwell. She is further survived by her friend and sister, Norma Greene of Lansing, Mich.; brother, Jimmy (Susie) Whitcraft of Colorado Springs; faithful, loving feline companion, Buster; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and friends.

Funeral services will be held at LAKEVIEW MORAVIAN CHURCH, 3565 Tulane Avenue, Madison, at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012. Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dane County Humane Society or Lakeview Moravian Church.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Mary’s Hospital for the special and spiritual care she was given in her final days.

Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dane County Humane Society or Lakeview Moravian Church.

Visitation:
Visitation will be held at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Monday.

Service:
Funeral services will be held at LAKEVIEW MORAVIAN CHURCH, 3565 Tulane Avenue, Madison, at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 16, 2012.