Bertha "Betty" Magdelene Willits, age 97 of North Platte, passed away Wednesday March 7, 2018.
Betty was born October 22, 1920 in Sutton, NE to Edward and Anna (Rotter) Wachter. She graduated from Geneva High School in 1938 and was married to Dick Rea at Camp Crowder, MO in 1942. Together they had 5 children, Richard, Dennis, Mary, Steven and Michael. Dick passed away in 1981. In 1985 Betty married Lynn Willits in Goodyear, AZ. She was an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, a member of Holy Spirit Rosary Group, and enjoyed her volunteer work at the Great Plains Hospital gift shop, the food pantry and the church. She was an excellent cook and her fresh peach pie was a family favorite. She played the organ and enjoyed crocheting, playing golf and spending time with her grandchildren and watching their events.
Betty is survived by her husband Lynn Willits of North Platte; children Dennis (Ginger) Rea of Huntersville, NC, Mary (Bob) Trujillo of Avondale, AZ, Steven (Carol) Rea of North Platte, Mike (Dicki) Rea of Grand Island; stepsons Tom (Anne) Willits of Denver, CO, Jim (Martha) Willits of Loveland, CO, Bob (Colleen) Willits of Cheyenne, WY; grandchildren Steven Rea, Billy Purden, Autumn Carter, Nino Butierres, Troy (Britt) Rea, Heather Shaw, Laurie Cortney, Julie (fiancé Mark) Cortney, Jenny (Steve) Olson, Chris (Crystal) Rea, Brian (Erin) Rea, Greg (fiancée Lisa) Rea, Kim (Nate) Heard, Kelly (Rob) Vaira, Katie (Daniel) Dale; 28 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; step grandchildren, Collette (Sheridan) Sauer, Mike (Laura) Willits, Jeff Willits, Julie (Jason) Gosnell, Mark (Jenny) Willits, Jenny (Pat) Bianca, Kelly (Jeremy) Kamarad, John (Erin) Willits, Beth (Matt) Farwell; 11 step great grandchildren; daughter-in-law Mary Rea; sister Jeanette Roth; brother Joseph (Mary) Wachter; as well as other extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Anna Wachter; husband Dick Rea; son Richard Rea; great granddaughter Adelyn Rea; brothers Robert and William; and sister LaVern Roth.
Memorials are suggested to Holy Spirit Catholic Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday March 13, 2018 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday March 14, 2018 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Reverend Jim Hunt as celebrant, and Deacon Michael Davis assisting. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.