Elizabeth “Bette” Simpson, 79, of the Churubusco area, passed away surrounded by her family Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Born on May 2, 1936 in Newton, Iowa, she was a daughter of Elgia and Lena (Combs) Meade. She was one of nine children.

Growing up in central Iowa, Bette attended Newton High School. She was known for her ornery attitude and strong work ethic, even boasting about how, at age 15, she lied about her age to secure her first job in a local retail store.

It was in Iowa where she met Ronnie Simpson, a young (equally ornery) Army soldier. He swept her off of her feet and the two fell in love. Eager to begin life together, they were married, Saturday, May 26, 1956 in Newton, Iowa.

As a young family, they moved to the area in 1962. And by 1972, they had saved enough money to buy a good-sized property in rural Allen County, just outside of Churubusco. It was here that they built the family farm and raised their three children, Ronda, Mark and Scott, and where they too would eventually build homes and raise families.

Survivors include her husband of nearly 60 years, Ronald Simpson of Churubusco; daughter: Ronda (Joe) Bauer of Churubusco; sons: Mark Simpson of Fort Wayne, Scott Simpson of Churubusco; grandchildren: Julie (Kevin) Foster, Joseph (Kasey) Bauer, Joe Richards, Corey Simpson and Jason Simpson; great-grandchildren: Cruz Richards, Kale Simpson, Cameron Simpson, Parker Simpson, Rex Bauer, Elizabeth Foster, Layla Foster and Aliyah Foster; sister: Cathie (Neal) Cannady and brother Edwin (Karen) Meade.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters: Marvel (Buddy) Cooper, Ann (Dick) Green, Frances (Darryl) Waring, Iris Dennison; brothers: Leighton Meade and Gordon Meade; and great-grandson: Joseph Bauer III.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Oct. 12, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with funeral to follow. Certified Funeral Celebrant, Sharon Brockhaus, will officiate. Burial will be in Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions may be given toward Bette’s final expense account c/o DeMoney-Grimes.