Elizabeth Weger

Weger, Elizabeth "BettyA. SUN PRAIRIE/ MADISON - Elizabeth Ann Weger, or "Betty" as she was known by all, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 24, 2007, surrounded by her family. Born on Feb. 24, 1927, in Madison, to George Fruth and Veronica (Vera) ONeil, she grew up in the downtown area with her older brother George P. Fruth, who preceded her in death. She also had a half brother, Ordelle Fruth, who preceded her in death. On Jan. 22, 1947, she married Melvin "Mike" Payne and together they raised three children, Kathleen (Mike) Gilmore, Craig (Mary) Payne and Diane (Dave) Shaw. After Mikes death in 1976, she met and later married Matthew Weger on July 29, 1978. During her life, Betty worked at Sweets Grocery store, continuing her career in the grocery business by working at Krogers (later known as Lake Edge Supermarket) until 1982. She frequently ran into people who "shopped at the store" and she always remembered their names. We came to know anyone she said hi to as someone who "shopped at the store!" In 1982, she began work at General Casualty Insurance and retired from there in 1990. Betty was an inspiration to her family and friends. She faced adversity, both physical and emotional with great dignity and resolve, especially in the case of her long struggle with emphysema, all without complaint. Most inquiries about her health were met with "Im not too bad today." In the last few years, when she could no longer hide the affects of her disease, she continued to discourage sympathy. Rather, she would hasten to respond "I did it to myself" as she had previously been a smoker. We all learned from her through her illness. Sharp as a tack to the end, we feel cheated out of the years we know wed have had if only her lungs had been healthy. Betty is survived by her loving husband and best friend of almost 29 years, Matt; her children, Kathy, Craig and Diane; and her step-children, David, Debra, Daryl, Danny and Daphne. She is further survived by her 20 grandchildren, Jennie (Scott) Lueder, Jason (Pam) Williams, Jessica, Jacob and Joey Weger, Jeff (Jennifer) Turk, Jim (Jenny) Turk, Mike (Jenny) Payne, Michelle (Jay) Coates, Michael Weger, Waylon and Cody Johnson, Krystal and Robert Ford, Gloria and Amelia Weger, Keegan and Cooper Young and Shelby and Taylor Weger; and 14 great-grandchildren, Caleigh and Carter Lueder, Lauren Williams, Becky, Caroline and Jeffrey Turk, Sam and Nicholas Turk, Ellie Payne, Alexander, Kailey, Brenna and new baby Coates, and Mia Weger, whom she always remembered and sent special cards to on holidays. She is also survived by many other family and friends who were privileged to have known her. On Tuesday, May 29, 2007, we will bid a fond farewell to this beautiful and amazing woman at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd. in Madison, with a visitation from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and full Catholic service beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Highland Memory Gardens immediately following the service followed by a gathering at St. Dennis. Gram - we will treasure every memory of our time together. We will miss you, but know that we have a special angel looking over us. Email us. Mom, you can breathe freely now. Youre finally somewhere over the rainbow. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com