Bette B. Bowlby

Bette B. Bowlby, 96, of Troy, IL, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at La Bella of Edwardsville.

She was born on August 18, 1929, in Oakland, CA, to Ami and Elza (nee Blondin) Clements.

Bette is a 1949 graduate of Richmond High School in Richmond, CA. In her college experience, she learned the 3 different dialects of American Sign Language and in her 70’s she became proficient at Medical Billing, which led her to work for the family company, Med Solutions, for 10 years. Bette held multiple secretarial positions over the years which gave her the exceptional skill of writing in shorthand.

In her youth, Bette showed her patriotism by becoming an Aerial Plane Spotter during the end of WWII where she would be posted at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA. She was a dedicated 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Rebecca’s. Bette was president of the Northern California Square Dance Association, a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority for 60 years, a dedicated soccer coach for 30 years and ending that time by teaching a girls traveling team. When her grandson was 5 years old, she began her coaching endeavors. Bette was known to love all sports including, baseball, soccer, and basketball, and played well into her 60’s. She remained active late into life which also included dancing. Due to her creativity, Bette loved oil painting, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. She had a passionate love of animals, especially dogs. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ami and Elza Clements; son, Dennis Bowlby; daughter, Donna Dietrich; and sister, Jeanne Clements.

Bette is survived by her daughter, Peggy (Jim) Williams; grandchildren, Michael (Lacy) Williams, Carrie (Tim) Lyons, William Dietrich, Noelle Dietrich, and Taylor Bowlby; great grandchildren, Luxton Williams, Maximillion Williams, Jacob Lyons, Owen Lyons, and Anika Dietrich; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to Partners for Pets Humane Society in St. Jacob, IL.

Visitation: Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, at Hope Lutheran Church in Highland, IL

Funeral Service: Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 12:00 pm, at Hope Lutheran Church in Highland, IL

Clergy: Pastor Scott Busacker

Interment: Highland City Cemetery

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL