Elizabeth "Bette" Josephine Thelen, 88, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2025 in Bentonville, AR. She was born on May 29, 1936 in Avon, Minnesota to the late Ben and Josephine Terwey. Bette married Dick Thelen, on September 24, 1955 in Albany, Minnesota where they settled into their first home. Bette and Dick moved their young family to Brookings, South Dakota in 1968 where they lived until retiring to NWA in 1993.

Bette loved being outdoors and keeping active. She cherished the many decades of summers at the family's lake home on Lake Hendricks, Minnesota. Times "at the lake" were filled with days catching perch, gardening and hosting a continuous stream of family, neighbors and friends.  In her quieter times she enjoyed reading, puzzles and woodcarving. She was excitedly expecting the arrival of her first great-grandchild due in July. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick; brothers, Harvey Terwey, Jack Terwey, and Jamie Terwey; son-in-law, Christopher Jaglin.

She is survived by her children, Jeana Jaglin of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Bill Thelen (Sandra) of Brookings, South Dakota, and Ann Thelen of Rogers, Arkansas; grandchildren, Cody Thelen of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Nathan Thelen (Stephanie) of Brookings, South Dakota, Zach Thelen of Brookings, South Dakota, Sarah Jaglin of Denver, Colorado, and Emily Antonopoulos (Joey) of Tampa, Florida;  step-grandchildren, Tanner McClain (Jessica) of Lakefield, Minnesota, and Tyson McClain (Shelby) of Volga, South Dakota; sisters-in-law Marlene Thelen, Mary Thelen, Sue Schiffler, Barb Tupper, and Clarene Terwey; a multitude of nieces, nephews and many lifelong friends.

A private memorial service will take place in Albany, Minnesota at a later date. The family has requested memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.