Bette (Southworth) Scott

Elizabeth “Bette” Southworth Scott, age 91 of Elkton died Friday morning, May 6, at her home.

She was born October 27, 1924 at the home of her grandparents in Burr Oak, MI to the late Leon and Dot Parham. She lived in Madison WI and Grand Rapids, before relocating to Three Rivers to complete her senior year of high school in 1942.

In February of 1944, she joined the U of M Cadet Nurse Corps; her last 6 months were completed at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis, MO. While there, she and Don Southworth, whom she met at U of M were married at the Chaplain’s home on January 4, 1947. Don preceded her in death in 1982 after a long bout with lymphoma.

Bette received her RN degree at U of M in February of 1947 and followed her passion for helping others. She was employed for 15 years at Hubbard Hospital, Bad Axe. She remained in the nursing field in several doctors’ offices until reluctantly retiring on January 1, 1990. She continued her care for others by volunteering with hospice, a grief support group, and Huron Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was a member of Elkton United Methodist Church, Elkton Women’s Civic Club and Elkton OES #431. She also enjoyed traveling, including to Egypt, Brazil and throughout Europe.

On May 27, 2000, she married Wallace Scott in Caseville. They had met in high school so many years ago and rekindled their relationship.

Surviving are her husband, “Scotty”; five children, Michael (Kathryn) Southworth of Elkton, Cheryl (Robert Halyburton) Southworth of Fort Mill, SC, Charles (Suzanne) Southworth of Gaffney, SC, Nance (Ed Loughman) Southworth of Myrtle Beach, SC and Dale Southworth of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Sean (Debi) Southworth, Brad (Ann) Southworth, Kristin (Paul) Hartsaw, Kelly Southworth, Kameron (Teri) Southworth, Rachel Howell, Abigail Southworth, Josiah (Karissa) Southworth, Charity Southworth and Janet Armstrong; great grandchildren, John, William, Caroline, Maggie, Noah, Lauren, Chloe, Madelane, Warren, Cheyenne, Claudia and Brady. Also, surviving are step-children, John (Carol) Scott, Pam (Roy) Hall and Patricia Scott; five step grandchildren; six step great grandchildren and her sister, Barbara Hughey.

Preceding her in death was a son, Kerry Southworth in 1999.
A final act that shows her giving spirit, Bette has donated her body to the U of M Medical School. A memorial service will take place later this summer.

In keeping with Bette's wishes and her giving nature, donations are requested in lieu of flowers to The Elkton United Methodist Church, The University of Michigan Medical School, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

A memorial service will be conducted 11:00 AM Saturday, June 11, at the Elkton United Methodist Church.