Laurentine "Mike" Bettin

LAURENTINE LOVERNA MULLIN BETTINGER ROGERS Click here to view Laurentine's Video Tribute Laurentine Loverna Mullin was born August 10, 1927, in Adams, New York, to Victor Ellis Mullin and Clara L. Fitzgerald Mullin. She was the second to the oldest of eight children and loved helping to raise her younger siblings. She was always musical. She played trumpet and harmonica, and sang with her older sister. Her claim to fame was that she once sang on the radio with Woody Herman when he was stationed at Camp Drum in Watertown, New York, during World War II. Laurentine met Roy Bettinger soon after graduating high school at Mannsville Manor Central School. In August, he asked her if she would agree to marry him after Christmas. She said that she would. She thought that he was going to propose to her after Christmas. She had no idea they were actually engaged! They were married January 5, 1946. It was during their honeymoon to Montreal, Canada, that he told her that he wasn't going to wake up every morning and call her Laurentine. He said, "Your name is Mike." That was the name friends used, although family still called her Laurentine. "Mike" and Roy raised five children on their dairy and poultry farm in northern New York. Neither of them were able to attend college, but education was important to them. They taught their children to value a college education, not to get a good job, but because a good education changes who you are. All of their children attended college. Roy died on November 231, 1975. "Mike" began a cottage industry making and selling jams and jellies, as well as breads and cookies. She sold over 100 varieties of jams and jellies at craft markets, in independent stores, at the Women's Exchange in New York City, and at the Farmers Market in Watertown, New York. Her business was successful, and she thrived at being so independent. In 1987 "Mike" married Roy Rogers, a man she met through a personal advertisement family members placed in the Watertown Daily Times without her knowledge. Roy died in 2004. "Mike" and Roy moved to Oregon to be near "Mike's" youngest grandchildren in 1999. She provided childcare for her grandchildren, and was active in the Portland First United Methodist Church, as she had been very active in churches throughout her life. "Mike" developed Alzheimer's Disease while in Portland. When she realized what was happening to her, she said that she was thankful she had married two men named Roy so it wouldn't be too confusing to people! In July of 2009 she was moved to the Good Samaritan Society, Idaho Falls Village, so that she could be near her family. Brenda passed away April 22, 2010. Mike is survived by two sons, Frank (Sheila) Bettinger of Ellisburg, New York, Barry (Shahnaz) Bettinger in Edmonds, Washington, and two daughters, Sharon (Fran) Taplin of Pulaski, New York, and Brenda (Daniel) Sene of Idaho Falls, Idaho. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by both husbands and by her daughter, Melisa Bettinger Powell. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 1, 2010, at Trinity United Methodist Church. You are invited to bring cookies for a cookie exchange after the celebration of her life. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Nancy Lundgren Brosch nancy42@twcny.rr.com Our condolences to you all from the entire Brosch family. Sharon you know my prayers are with you and your family. You know how I feel about you. If you need anything please do not hesitate to contact me. It has been a long journey for you all with Alzheimer's. I feel your pain and suffering during this time of loss. As my parents have it too. Your Mom will surely be missed. Love and prayers to you all! Hans and Hella Albrecht hwahfa@peoplepc.com Dear Brenda, Sharon and Barry, We share your sorrow and fondly remember your Mom! She certainly has been an inspiration to everyone who knew her. With our sincere sympathy, Hans and Hella Paula Blair Dear Brenda, Daniel, and Family, So sorry you have lost your dear mother. I enjoyed reading her tribute -- she must have been a wonderful mother and good role model. I admire her work ethic and positive attitude about life. May your memories of her warm your heart, and God bring you comfort in your loss. Paula Barbara Maskarinec Barbara.maskarinec@gmail.com Dear Brenda, Daniel and family: Please accept my sympathy for the death of your mother. I read with interest her obituary and know now what an interesting and loving mother she was. I recall talking to you about her recently at the auditorium. I miss her funeral since I will be out of town. Peace to all of you. Barbara Maskarinec Larry and Roseanna Seymour larry.seymour37@gmail.com Rosy and I were saddened to hear of your loss. We would like you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Craig and Darlene Seymour Darlene and I would like to send our condolences to you and your family. May God Bless you and your family.