- Elizabeth "Betty" Melendy Laritson Green Bay - It is only fitting that in this holy season and her favorite time of the year, Elizabeth Jane "Betty" (Ertl) Melendy Laritson, 88, of Green Bay, passed away, Tuesday, December 26, 2017.
She was born September 18, 1929, the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Schwister) Ertl. Betty was raised in Appleton and graduated from Appleton High with the class of 1947. On December 1, 1960, she married Kenneth Melendy, Jr. Betty and Ken had four children: Kathleen, Mary Jo, Lynn and Bill. After Ken's passing on February 17, 1963, Betty married John Laritson on December 16, 1968, and had a daughter, Tammy. John and Betty would have celebrated 49 years of marriage this December. John preceded her in death August 25, 2014.
In the early years of establishing their business, John's Refrigeration Inc., Betty worked hard managing the office, answering phone calls around the clock, and dispatching employees from their home on Ridge Road. The couple enjoyed traveling on trips to destinations including China, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Thailand, Mexico and Hawaii. They also spent many wonderful winter months on the Island of Cayman and time in Florida with daughter, Mary and her family.
Betty's most cherished time of the year was Christmas. She spent countless hours decorating their tree with lights, hundreds of ornaments and the village beneath the tree. The sight was a beautiful wonder that her children and grandchildren will always remember and cherish.
Betty enjoyed music and loved to dance, especially to a good polka. She was a great cook and loved to bake. Her delicious cookies and candies at Christmas time were her specialty.
Betty took pride in her grandchildren's activities and attended many dance recitals, sporting games and piano concerts. She also enjoyed her time with longtime girlfriends, often meeting for coffee or lunch. She was a devoted Catholic and charter member of St. Agnes Parish, working on the funeral lunch committee and volunteering for church picnics and cleaning the church whenever needed.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Kathy (John) Martens, Mary Jo (Dan) Hermans, Lynn (Kelly) Sperl, Tammy (Dave) Sze; son, Bill (Jayme) Melendy; grandchildren, Michael Martens and family, Jamie Gokey and family, Lindsay (Phil) Smock, Jenna (Travis) Nickel, Kassi Sperl, Kyle Sperl, Megan (Steve) Treml, Mitchell Melendy, Molly Melendy, Jonathan Sze and Sophia Sze, great-grandchildren including Chase and Dylan Smock, Audrey Treml, Griffen, Egan and Cullen Nickel. She is further survived by sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Janet Ertl, Tom and Monique Laritson; her extended Melendy family including Robert (Pam) Melendy, John (Carol) Melendy, Jim (Sue) Melendy, Dick (Donna) Melendy; other nieces, nephews and friends.
In addition to her first husband, Ken Melendy and her adoring husband John Laritson, she was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Liz Ertl; a brother, Tom Ertl, infant brother, William Ertl; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Pete and Kathy Laritson.
Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. Thursday at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 Ninth St., Green Bay. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church with her pastor, Father Patrick Beno officiating. Entombment will be in Fort Howard Memorial Park. To send online condolences visit www.prokowall.com.
Betty's family wishes to thank the staff of Legacy Estates LLC, especially Ali, Shannon, Jacob, Robin, Linsey, and Bill for their gentle, loving and compassionate care. Betty loved you all. Our gratitude to Kathy and Dorene and everyone at Unity Hospice during this holiday week.
Lastly, a special note of thanks to family and friends for all your kindness and support during Betty's final days.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent from Dec. 27 to Dec. 28, 2017
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1929 - 2017 (88 years)
Education - High School
