Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Uhen, 90, of Burlington, passed away on Nov. 20, 2024 at home surrounded by the love she cultivated throughout her lifetime.
Born on Jan. 27, 1934, to Edward and Florence (nee Reesman) Jackley, Betty grew up in Burlington along with her five sisters and brother. Her early years were filled with the lively camaraderie of a large family, setting the stage for her lifelong devotion to her own family. Betty attended St. Mary’s Grade School and St. Mary’s High School, where she was a cheerleader and active in the church.
In her early years, Betty worked as a switchboard operator at the telephone company and as a soda jerk at a neighborhood drugstore. She often proudly reminisced about her speed and skill as an ice cream scooper, a memory she loved to share with her grandchildren.
It was during high school that Betty met the love of her life, James Richard Uhen. Many of their dates were spent at Friday fish fries in New Munster or hanging out at Uhen’s Garage. The two were married on May 21, 1955, beginning a remarkable love story that spanned several decades.
Their first year of marriage was spent in Leominster, Massachusetts where Jim was stationed in the military.
Once she and Jim returned to Burlington, they settled into family life, raising seven children. Betty dedicated herself to her family, creating a home filled with love, care, and countless homemade meals. Her cooking was legendary. Whether it was Italian beef, chop suey, or her award-winning cherry pie, Betty’s dishes became family traditions. But the most famous dish of all was one served any day of the week, known as Friday Special.
Betty loved decorating, especially during the holidays. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and her home was always beautifully adorned and filled with treats like homemade fudge, spritz cookies, and blueberry dessert.
Some of Betty’s happiest moments were spent with her grandchildren. She and Jim spent countless hours watching all of the various school and sporting events for all 19 grandchildren. Grandma and Grandpa were always there, with smiles on their faces and hugs at the end. She was an incredibly proud Grandma.
Betty’s dedication to her faith and support for her alma mater, St. Mary’s High School/Catholic Central, persisted throughout her life. In 2023, Jim and Betty received the Distinguished Alumni Award for their continued support of Catholic Central High School.
She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose stories, laughter, and love brought warmth to every gathering, strengthened the bonds of her family, and left a lasting imprint on the lives of all who knew her.
Betty is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years; her sister Alice Zaspel; her seven children, Tom (Carolyn) Uhen, Susan (James) Kott, Kevin (Cheryl) Uhen, Kim (Peter) McCarthy, Kathy (Bill) Ritzman, Anne (Chris) Korman, and Julie (Mark) Hofer; her 19 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, each a testament to the life she built and the love she shared. Betty is preceded in death by her parents; siblings Ruth (Jack) Berry, Dorothy (Raymond) Oldenburg, Lauretta (Leo) Zinnen, Mary (Chuck) Lois, Mickey (Smitty) Kerkhoff, and Eddie Jackley; brother-in-law Ted Zaspel; her in-laws, Egon and Evelyn Uhen; sister-in-law, Marilyn Uhen; brother-in-law, Robert Uhen; sister-in-law, Genevieve Uhen; along with many beloved friends.
A visitation took place at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home, Nov. 25, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Interment in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home is serving the family. Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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