Obituaries

If you would like to view the livestream of Delores' service, please click the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/live/FwArQWLBVrc?feature=shared

Delores Ann (Hays) Bethke (age 82) of Madison, WI, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024 at Agrace Hospice, Fitchburg. She was born February 4,1942 in Eau Claire, WI and was the daughter of Julia (Haugen) and Verner Hays.

Delores was a graduate of Eau Claire Memorial High School and went on to work at the Sterling Pulp and Paper Mill where she met her husband Eldor. They were married on May 16, 1964, in Eau Claire, and were happily married for 60 years. They moved to Madison in 1966 and have been members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church ever since.

Delores helped raise her two children, was a homemaker and prepared a lot of delicious food! (her coleslaw was always requested) She also provided in-home childcare, was a file clerk for WPS insurance, and volunteered at Bethesda Church Thrift Store for many years. She held a position as a Thrivent Officer (Aid Association for Lutherans), helped in the church kitchen, taught Sunday School, and was a Den Leader for the Cub Scouts, as well as caring for several family members in their later years.

Delores was very active at church, attended German festivals, enjoyed reading, listening to music, doing word puzzles, and most importantly she treasured being with friends and especially her family. She loved attending church services, volunteering and being with her church family. Her faith in God was very strong, she cherished angels, butterflies, flowers and cats. Delores was a natural caregiver and had a special gift with babies. She appreciated the time spent playing games with her family and friends.

Delores is survived by husband Eldor Bethke. Daughter Sandra Barkhahn (David). Son James Bethke (Christine). Grandchildren Kathleen Craugh (Chris) and Kimberly Barkhahn. Great-grandaughter Kaylee Craugh, Sister Gloria Valska and brother Richard Hays. Special Nephew Darwin Bethke along with her beloved family and friends.

Preceded in death by her children Jennifer and Mark Bethke, parents Julia and Verner Hays, sister Joyce Kivikko, brother Robert Hays and brother Duane Hays.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2126 N. Sherman Ave, Madison. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison and also from 10:00 am until the time of service on Tuesday at the church. A burial service will be at Highland Memory Gardens in Madison following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agrace Hospice, Fitchburg. Our family is very appreciative of the excellent care that Delores and our family received there.

Delores was a very caring and loving person who helped many people in her lifetime. She was loved much, will be missed by many, and thought of often.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.