Betty A. Gifford, age 73 of Plum City, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire, with her family by her side.

Betty was born on January 18, 1943 on the Schladweiler family farm in the Ono area of rural Plum City. She was the daughter of Ervin and Elizabeth (Pelzel) Schladweiler. Betty grew up in the Ono area, went to elementary school at St. John’s Catholic School and graduated from Plum City High School in 1960. After high school, Betty moved to the Twin Cities where she began her career in banking and then proceeded to North West Orient Airlines. Betty married her best friend of six years, David J. Gifford on February 27, 1965 in the Twin Cities. After marriage, Betty continued working in the Twin Cities while living and farming with her husband in the Town of Union, rural Plum City. After the birth of their second child, Betty stayed home to raise her children and expanded her role on the family farm.

Betty enjoyed many hobbies including canning the fruits and vegetables she raised in her gardens. Betty loved to throw parties and spending time with family and friends.

Betty is survived by her husband of 51 years; Dave, two children; Sue (fiancé Dave Greenwell) Krumenauer of Cedarburg and Dianna (Paul) Breen of Madison, two grandchildren; Kelsey and Sean, siblings; Karen Finstad of Ellsworth, Donna (Jack) Crow of Plymouth, MN, Gary (Julie) Schladweiler of Maiden Rock and Linda (Mike) Rhiel of Plum City, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law Jeff Krumenauer.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be 3:00 PM Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Plum City. Burial will be in the church cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until the time of services at the church on Wednesday. A time of sharing will be held at Molly’s after Mass.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Randy Krogstad / Kevin Tucholke January 9, 2017, at 5:31am

   I was very saddened to hear of this. Aunt Betty was a wonderful woman and I will remember her very fondly. Kevin and I send our prayers to the family and wish you comfort during this difficult time. I will miss Aunt Betty very much.
   Lovingly, Randy

2. Jack and Judi Scholz January 8, 2017, at 11:02pm

   Our deepest sympathy to David, Sue and Dianna and the Schladweiler family. Betty's heart was as big as her smile! She was a delightful high school friend and we will miss seeing her when we visit Plum City. God's blessings to all.

3. Sue Gorg January 7, 2017, at 7:05pm

   Sue - my sincere sympathy to you and your family is the loss of you Mom. May you all find extra strength to get thru this difficult time. It's always hard to lose a parent - the glue that holds the family together. God's blessing to you!

4. Suzi Crownhart/Mark Nelson January 7, 2017, at 7:46am

   Our sympathy to the Gifford and Schaldweiler families.

5. Barb (Rhiel) Steenerson January 6, 2017, at 1:28pm

   We grew up across the road from Betty and Dave. They are more than just neighbors they are family. My heart goes out to Dave, Sue and Di, and to Betty's sisters and brother. I am so sorry for your loss.

6. Dianne Tourville January 6, 2017, at 9:39am

   My heartfelt sympathy to the families. Holding you in prayer and asking for your comfort and strength through your great loss.

7. Joan Wittenbergzr January 6, 2017, at 9:19am

   Am so sorry to hear this about Betty. We go along ways back on things we did
   You have our deepest sympathy

8. Phil & Nancy Tschumperlin January 6, 2017, at 9:14am

   Shocked to hear of Betty's passing. Nancy and I enjoyed knowing Betty as a classmate and working with her on our class reunions. Condolences to her husband, David, children and extended family.

9. Joe and Wanda Traynor January 6, 2017, at 8:56am

   So very sorry, Susan, Dave and Diane for your loved ones death. When we met, she always had a big smile and we would visit. Was such a hard worker too. Susan, you were a good classmate of Kari

10. Janie M Andrews January 6, 2017, at 8:54am

    I'm so sorry to hear about Betty's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She was a beautiful person. I remember her visiting Dad at the Seasons. He really enjoyed that.

11. Bob & Picksey Watkins January 6, 2017, at 8:14am

    Our sympathy goes out to the Gifford and Schladweiler Families. Betty was always such a friendly person.

12. Laurie Helmueller January 6, 2017, at 6:58am

    I'm so sorry to hear of Betty's passing. My sympathies and prayers go out to the Schladwieler and Gifford family! May she rest in peace.

13. Patricia Chilson January 5, 2017, at 10:28pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. I, will miss her smile.

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