Bette Peltola

Dr. Bette Peltola, of Richfield, MN, a retired professor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, died April 14th peacefully in her home. She was born in Finlayson, Minnesota on March 12, 1937, to Eugene and Hazel Peltola. At 87 years old, she lived a life dedicated to her career field of Children's Literature and Education. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1960, a Master of Arts in Education in 1962, and a Ph.D. in Education in 1965. In 1998, Bette was a significant contributor to the extensive collection of children's books at the Center for Children's Literature at Hedburg Library of Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. In 2011, she received the distinguished College of Education and Human Development Alumni Award at the University of Minnesota as an esteemed college educator and a champion of children's literature. She was a member on the board for the Newberry and Caldecott Awards for several years. She was an active supporter of the Kerlan Childrens collection, which is a respected part of the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis Library. She was a Girl Scout beginning in the early years of elementary school and kept in touch with several of her troop members over the years. Later in life, she stayed active by gardening and playing cribbage.
She is preceded in death by her parents. Surviving is a first cousin, Gay Woods in Anacortes, Washington, and 3 second cousins: Corrine (Gordon) McCune, Rodney (Stephanie) Anderson and Brian (Vicky) Anderson, all of Hallsville, Missouri.

A reception will follow the Graveside Service.