Bettilu Hogue, 98
Our beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, friend and daughter of God, peacefully passed away at the age of 98.
Born Gladys Florine Krogseth to Anna and Knut Krogseth on Dec. 25, 1924, bringing Christmas joy with her. At 2 years old, on the way to her baptism, they changed her name to Bettilu. She grew up in Naples, Idaho, on the family homestead in the home her father built with her six siblings. She went on to study at Kinman Business University. In 1948, Bettilu met Lorris (Swede) Carlson on a blind date and soon after married. They were blessed with two “wonderful” daughters — Janice and Patti. After being a widow for 10 years, she reconnected with her childhood friend, James Hogue. They married in 1968, adding three sons, Jimmy, William and Russ to their family.
They retired back to the family homestead in Naples for 20 years. She was a founder of the Naples Helping Hands and was always close to her Lutheran Congregation.
The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Grandma Lu. She loved sitting around talking with her loved ones or a quiet evening with friends and family with a glass of Black Velvet in hand. Sitting next to her was a coveted space so she could tickle your arms and tell you story after story. She had an uncanny ability to remember the dates of everything. She was the first to call on a birthday and rarely missed sending a card in the mail for birthdays and anniversaries. Bettilu was extra early to any event and expected the same with those who would stop by for a visit. Her table was always set with an ironed tablecloth and napkins and glassware with proper etiquette and care. Her bright mind, memory and wit was a tremendous gift and blessing that will surely be missed!
She is survived by her beloved daughters, Janice Ritzer and Patti Wilkinson; son Russell Hogue; sister-in-law Jan Krogseth; additional children Kevin (Janice) Ritzer, Harold (Patti) Wilkinson, Luzminda Hogue, Barbara McClure, Delana Hogue and Sue Haight; grandchildren Kelly, Brian, Jori, Rachel, MacKenzie, Ashley, Emily, Veronica, Josh and Tom; their spouses, and numerous great-grands and great-great-grands. Though we constantly vied for being the favorite, each of us truly felt we were the favorite in her presence. Many cousins, nieces and nephews also will continue to honor her legacy.
A viewing was held from 10-10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at Lutheran Church of the Master, 4800 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. The service can also be viewed live online at lcmcda.org. Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Master in Coeur d’Alene or the charity of one’s choice.
Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit Bettilu’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.