Elizabeth Mary (Betty, nee Brookshaw) Hungerford, age 92, of Hudson, Wis., passed away peacefully Jan. 22, 2024, surrounded by her family. Betty was born Nov. 3, 1931, in rural Ellsworth, Wis., to Joseph and Esther (O’Connell) Brookshaw. She was a 1949 Ellsworth High School graduate. She married Edward Hungerford June 12, 1951. Together they raised their family while operating a successful dairy farm near Maiden Rock, Wis.
Betty took pride in working on the farm – tending livestock, keeping books, and growing beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. She loved animals – farm and domestic – and they loved her. Any nearby cat or dog would jump into Betty’s lap at the first opportunity.
She was a consummate homemaker, readying her children for school and activities, keeping an immaculate house, cooking, baking and making delicious meals from scratch. She loved to host gatherings and always was prepared for any and all guests.
Betty’s lifelong focus was her family – immediate and extended – especially her grandchildren. She had an abundance of energy, never complained and was the heart of her family.
Betty was an active Pierce County 4-H project leader for many years. She was keenly interested in news, politics and current events, and enjoyed fishing, polka music and dancing, the Minnesota Twins, and playing cards and games.
Betty will be remembered for her quiet strength, generous nature and abounding love for her family.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband, parents and cousins.
Betty is survived by her children: Brian (Marie Welborn) Hungerford, Teresa (John) Ward, Sharon (Arthur) Batho, and Heidi (Leif) Halverson; grandchildren: Erica Hungerford, Forrest Ward, Philip Batho, Jennifer Hines (P.J.), Jessica Vickers (William), Tiffany Batho, Amber Batho (Jeremy Massey), Amara Danielson (Tyler), Chloe Halverson, August Halverson, and Jasper Halverson; great-grandchildren: Hannah, Greta, Colin, Alex, Allysha, Cheyenne, Kaden, Grady, Fjord; her brother William (Judy) Brookshaw; sister-in-law Lorena Hungerford; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mass will be livestreamed on the funeral home website.
Memorials in Betty’s name are preferred to Adoray Home Health & Hospice, or Pierce County 4-H, Pierce County Courthouse Annex, 432 W. Main Street, PO Box 69, Ellsworth, WI 54022. Donations to 4-H will help fund its Foods and Nutrition programming.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 31, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Hudson. Visitation 11 a.m. to noon. Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Lunch to immediately follow. Burial at Lost Creek Cemetery in rural Ellsworth.
