With her loving family by her side, Betty Jane Martinson, (Nee: Thornton) 85, of Kenosha, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009, at the Clare Bridge Home, Kenosha, Wis. Betty Jane was born in Kenosha, Wis., Dec. 10, 1923, daughter of the late Raynard L. and Marie (Nee: Waugh) Thornton and was a lifelong resident of Kenosha.

Betty Jane was a graduate of the Mary D. Bradford High School "Class of 1942." On Dec. 8, 1944, she was united in marriage to Harold Martinson at the First United Methodist Church, Kenosha, where she was a lifetime member. He preceded her in death, Sept. 26, 1988. During World War II she was proud to have helped her country in the war effort at the Great Lakes Naval Base. Betty Jane was also employed by Kenosha Unified for over 20 years. In her younger years she was a member of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed sewing and golfing. Above all she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include her children, Thornton Lee (Joann) Martinson of Sun Prairie, Wis., Jean (David) Gausche of Racine, Wis.; her four grandchildren, Lisa (Cameron) Thompson, Kristin (Timothy) Krull, all of Sun Prairie, Wis., Dr. Eric (Dr. Sheetal) Gausche of Chicago, Ill., Michelle (Brian) Van Schyndel of Kenosha, Wis.; her five great-grandchildren, Gia, Davis, Brady, Maren, and Kent; sister, Georgia Lee Vandenberg of Kenosha, Wis.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her infant son; and sister, Bonnie Thornton.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 919 60th Street, Kenosha, Monday Nov. 9, 2009, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Kathleen Nuzzo officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church Monday from 10 a.m. until time of services. Memorials to Hospice Alliance, the Alzheimer's Foundation or the First United Methodist Church have been suggested.

Maresh-Meredith &

Acklam Funeral Home

803 Main Street

(262) 634-7888

Condolences may

be sent to:

www.meredithfuneralhome.com