Elizabeth J. Eddy

Elizabeth J. Eddy (Nee Luther) passed away peacefully at home and entered God’s loving arms on August 28, 2024, at the age of 76.

Betty is survived by her loving husband, Robert, of 57 years. She was the selfless mother of Michael (Lisa) Eddy, Jeanne (Matthew) Simmons, Katherine (Carlos Emons) Eddy, Richard (Jessica) Eddy, William (Thomas Kaplinski) Eddy, Patricia (Bryan) Bilitz and was a proud and supportive grandmother (“Gma” or “Gramma Purple”) to Ryan (Keira) Simmons, Aaron Simmons, Julia Eddy, Christian Eddy, Libby Wilson, Emily Bilitz, Carson Bilitz, Liam Eddy, Liv Eddy and Dawson Bilitz.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Jean (Callanan) Luther (Muskego, WI) and was the cherished daughter-in-law to the late Richard and Elizabeth (Rice) Eddy (Tonawanda, NY). Betty is also survived by her four siblings: Bob (Ellen Persik) Luther, Mary Luther, Lori (Ed) Farrington, and Tony Luther. She was a special friend to Kathy Luther, Lynne Van Hulst, and Caroll Stachurski. Betty will be remembered fondly by many other relatives and friends.

Born in Madison, Betty was raised in Muskego, Wisconsin. Betty attended Muskego Elementary School and was a graduate of Muskego High School, class of 1966. After high school, Betty met her future husband in 1967, while he was on leave from his naval service. After a few short weeks, the two were engaged on April 1, 1967 and married July 15th, the same year. Betty and Robert moved out to Long Beach, California during Robert’s service years and started their family with the birth of their first son, Michael. Their first daughter, Jeanne, was born one year later. After Rob finished his career in the U.S. Navy, they moved back to Wisconsin. They continued to grow their family with the births of Katherine, Richard, and twins William and Patricia.

Betty had a long work history in manufacturing, working various shifts, but enjoyed working third shift the most. Her longest employment was with Snap-on Tools (Milwaukee plant). She eventually retired from Snap-on, as a shift lead at the age of 70, after 33 years of service. During that time, she created long-lasting friendships that she considered family.

Betty was known to be the biggest supporter of her kids and grandkids. She attended many sporting events, recitals, and school events until she no longer could. If she could not be there in person, she was known to follow along online, and continued to cheer from home.

Betty had a lifelong passion for sewing, and hand-crafted several school dance dresses, bridesmaid dresses, costumes, square dance outfits, clothing and other items over the years. Early in her married life, Betty and Rob enjoyed square dancing with friends and traveling for competitions. Later in life, Betty enjoyed her “sisters weekends” and little getaways.

As a recent survivor of lung cancer, she truly embraced her family and friends, doctors and nurses, that helped her along the way. She later struggled with congestive heart failure and complications of COPD, but she fought hard. Her nurses dubbed her with the nickname “Bounce Back Betty”, which she thought was perfect. She was sweet and sassy up until the end, just like we knew her to be.

“Mom – you never wanted us to worry, always put yourself last, had the best sense of humor, were the best rubber band snapper and had excellent come-backs. You were the best “second” mom for many of our friends and the coolest mom we could have ever asked for. We will love and remember you always.” – Your kids

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Thursday, September 5, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, with service to follow at 3:00 PM. There will be a private graveside service held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials appreciated to American Heart Association or American Lung Association.