Our mother passed away at the age of 92 years old on October 22, 2020. As she wished, she was home and surrounded by her family as she departed to her heavenly home.

Betty Jean (Hess) Boness was born on September 9, 1928 in Kankakee, Illinois. She was the ninth of ten children, born to William and Sarah (Jeanette) Hess. She was educated at St. Paul Lutheran Parochial School until eighth grade and graduated from Kankakee High School.

She worked several jobs while in high school. As a teenager, she enjoyed roller skating and dancing, especially at the same time.

She met her husband, Francis Boness, the love of her life, at his uncle’s farm in Herscher, IL. He was working on the farm for the summer and she was there to detassle corn.   They fell in love and were married on May 23, 1953 in Kankakee, IL shortly after he completed Air Force Officer Training School.   Upon completion of Navigator’s training, Francis was assigned to Johnson, AFB Japan while Betty returned to her parent’s home to await the birth of their first child, Michael. Michael was four months old when they packed up and spent two weeks on a converted troop transport sailing with hundreds of other wives and children to Japan who were traveling to join their husbands. Their second child, Barbara, was born in Japan. After two years they returned to the States. Moving between bases in Sacramento, CA and Winter Haven, FL, they settled in Maine at Loring Air Force Base where their third child, Kevin, was born. They remained there for a year and a half when they once again packed up and moved halfway across the country to Austin, TX where Francis was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base. While in Austin the next four children were born, (Patricia, Mary, and twins, Todd and Thomas). They were in Austin for seven years and then were stationed in Glasgow, MT. While in Montana, out of necessity, Betty finally broke down and learned to drive at the age of 38 because Francis was stationed overseas in Guam the first winter and Thailand the second winter. Getting her seven children to church was the driving force behind this decision as they lived twenty miles away. Their final assignment was in Abilene, TX. After Francis retired, they returned to his hometown of Kenosha, WI.

Betty and Francis joined Messiah Lutheran Church in Kenosha and were very active in their church. Over the years, Betty was involved in the women’s Wednesday morning Bible study group, the Alter Guild, choir, and was the secretary/treasurer of the AAL branch.

Betty took a job with a local physician (Dr. Pamukcu) as his office manager and medical assistant. She retired from this position after 17 years.

She lost her love, Francis, in 1984 and continued managing and supporting her family alone.   Upon her retirement, Betty joined the St. Catherine’s Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary and worked in the coffee shop on a regular basis. Retirement included many trips to see her children and grandchildren scattered across the United States. These trips often revolved around births, baptisms, graduations and weddings. Her 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren always treasured their time with her even though the visits were always too short. The influence of her love and dedication to her family will continue through the generations.

She was truly a remarkable, very loving, and well-loved mother, wife and friend. She will be missed beyond measure.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Dorothy) Boness, Barbara (Rickie–deceased) Miller, Kevin (Susan) Boness, Patricia Boness, Mary (Jonathan) Stout, Todd (Theresa) Boness, Thomas Boness, one brother, Joseph Hess and his wife Betty Hess.

Betty was preceded in death by 8 siblings and their spouses, William (Leilith) Hess, Vivian (William) Odette, Raymond (Dorothy) Hess, Frances (William) Guertin, Irene (Marvin) Hayhurst, Melvin (Marie) Hess and Norma (Harry) Montgomery.

A special thank you to Patty, whose loving care allowed our mom to remain in her home until her passing. And to Donna Primuth whose friendship was treasured by Betty.

Service Info

Funeral services honoring Betty’s life will be held privately.

Interment will be held in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, our mother would have encouraged you to express your love and support to those around you.