Betty Lou Roberts

Betty Lou Roberts died on June 12, 2025, with her loving daughter Marisa and son Carl at her side. We will miss her dearly while also celebrating the vibrant, clever, and thoroughly compassionate person she was.

Betty was born on March 9, 1933, in St. Joseph, Michigan, to parents Tony and Marie Awodey. As a young adult, she moved to Chicago, where she earned a RN degree from the Cook County School of Nursing and met and married her lifelong friend and partner, John Roberts. The couple moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where Betty earned a BS in Nursing at UW-Madison, while working in the ER at Wisconsin General Hospital. A distinguished career at Madison General Hospital followed. She became head of the Medical/Surgical unit while also teaching the same concentration in the nursing school. Later, she developed and became head nurse of the hospital’s Ambulatory Surgery unit. With endless energy and expertise, Betty proved an essential volunteer with the Junior Diabetes Association of Wisconsin, and in her later years, helped in the nurse’s office at Midvale Elementary School.

Betty also loved the home life she built with her husband John. She was an avid gardener, birder, and a hunter of deer and wild turkeys. She adored her dog Snickers and delighted in hosting gatherings with friends and family where the Lebanese food of her heritage was often featured. Betty attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Madison, and later St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in River Hills. While an independent spirit, Betty was deeply devoted to others whether in service or friendship. Above all, she was steadfast in her love, respect, and joy for her husband John.

Betty’s final years were blessed due to the compassionate care of others, particularly friends Trish, Ruth, Deborah, Pam, and Judy, Father Geoffrey, the staff at Neroli Salon, and the highly skilled, patient, and cheerful staff at Elizabeth Residence in Bayside, Wisconsin.

In addition to Marisa and Carl, Betty is survived by her granddaughter Jesse, brothers Michael and Louis Awodey, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of her life and the interment of her ashes will be held at 1 pm on March 9, 2026, at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin. Please join us at the main entrance to the cemetery, located on Speedway Road, at 12:30 pm.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway    Madison

608-238-3434