Betty Mae DeLong, age 79 of Hudson, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 22, 2014 at the Comforts of Home in Hudson.

Betty was born November 30, 1935 in Dayton, OH to J. Lowell and Ann C. (Heib) Gibson. She was raised in Dayton and graduated from Fairview High School in 1953. She attended Otterbein University, in Westerville, OH where she was involved in art and music programs and in several collegiate organizations. Betty graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree. She was united in marriage to V. Richard DeLong on August 14, 1959 in Westerville. Together they raised two beloved children, Andrew and Amy. Betty worked as a 3rd Grade teacher at Crescent Elementary School in Rhinelander, and retired in the year 2000.

Betty was a creative, hard working woman who loved nature, camping, birds and woodworking. She was a lifelong member of the Girls Scouts of America and served for many years as a troop leader, a camp director and a member of the board of directors. As an adult Betty received the Thanks Badge, the Girl Scouts’ highest volunteer award. Betty also served as a Den Mother with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. After moving to Hudson, she was on the Willow River OWLs Board of Directors and volunteered at the Willow River State Park by selling firewood, teaching nature classes, and helping at the nature center. Betty was a member of the Bell Choir at the Hudson United Methodist Church. 

Betty will remain in the hearts of her husband, V. Richard DeLong; children, Andrew (Laura) DeLong, and Rev. Amy (Val  Zellmer) DeLong; grandchildren, Bronte DeLong, Jessica Wolf, and Travis Wolf; other relatives; friends; and beloved cats, Abby and Toby. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Margaret H. “Peggy” Gauya; and cats, Nixie, Boo, Tipper and Thai.

A Memorial Service for Betty will be held at 11:00am on Friday, January 23, 2015, with a visitation from 10-11am, at the Hudson United Methodist Church, 1401 Laurel Avenue, Hudson. Memorials are preferred to the Friends of Willow River State Park, 1034 County Road A, Hudson, WI 54016, or The Hudson United Methodist Church Bell Choir.