Obituary
Lori L. Betts
Lori L. Betts December 6, 1954 – October 1, 2025 Tired of reading obituaries that sound more like medical reports than memories, Lori would want it known that she lived life out loud: fully, fiercely, and often hilariously. She was devoted to her family, always ready with a hug, a laugh, or the kind of “blonde moment” that turned into a story retold for years.
Lori found joy in her children and grandchildren, in the beauty of a Wisconsin summer (even if she insisted on wearing a long-sleeved shirt in 90-degree heat), and in family ties strong enough to survive both blessings and chaos. She cooked dinner nearly every night, serving up favorites like pineapple upside-down cake and her legendary chocolate chip date cake, but also “creative” meals like Shipwreck Casserole or Bean Sprout Casserole that made her kids question her taste buds. Still, nobody went hungry.
Her kitchen counters were the stuff of legend. She rearranged them like a Rubik’s Cube on a daily basis and had what could only be described as an Olympic-level commitment to wiping them down; along with tables, appliances, and anything else within reach. You didn’t sit down at her table unless it had already been wiped three times.
Born on a cold, blustery December night in 1954 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Lori came into this world as the seventh of eight children and one of only three daughters to Vernon and Bernice (Erickson) Hansen. Growing up in a lively household gave her thick skin, a sharp sense of humor, and the ability to hold her own in a family full of characters.
On June 15, 1985, Lori married Bruce Betts, and together they built a life of adventures, living in New Mexico and Kansas before eventually returning home to Wisconsin. For 32 years, Lori and Bruce shared countless laughs, travels, “discussions,” and basement trips until his passing in 2017.
Lori faced life’s challenges with courage and stubborn determination, including a battle with cancer that she fought head-on for well over three years. Even in those hardest days, she kept her humor, her love for family, and her knack for finding joy in the small things.
She is survived by her children: Jess (Dusty) Betts-Nelson of Manawa, Wisconsin, and Nikki Betts (Mathew Hauser) of Cashton, Wisconsin; her grandchildren: Teagan (Travis Andres), Colton, Hayden, and Braelyn Betts of Marshfield, Wisconsin, and Paisley and Pierson Hauser Betts of Cashton, Wisconsin. She also leaves behind brothers Vernon “Bud” (Suzanne) Hansen of Bangor and William Hansen of Holmen, Wisconsin; her sister-in-law Rose Marie (Francis) Downs of Rockland; her aunt Carol Michener of La Crosse; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews, and friends who will forever miss her quick wit, big heart, and uncanny ability to misplace her glasses while they were on her head.
She now reunites with those who went before her: her husband Bruce; her parents, Vernon and Bernice; brothers James, Terry “Took,” and Dennis (Linda); sisters Janice Craig and Marla Hansen; brother-in-law Terry Betts; and numerous other family members, no doubt ready to welcome her with open arms (and probably some eye-rolling).
A celebration of Lori’s life will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., with services to follow at 12:30 p.m.; likely late, because she was never on time for anything.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Mayo Clinic Hospital, Sparta for their compassion and care during Lori’s final days. Additionally, the family would like to thank Coulee Region Cremation Group for their exceptional care, compassion, and assistance during this difficult time.
To honor Lori’s memory and her favorite color, the family kindly asks attendees to wear a shade of purple, a tribute to both her vibrant spirit, her courageous fight with dementia, and her brave battle with cancer.
So sorry for the families loss. Jess—-it’s always so hard to lose someone so dear to our heart and so very special. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.