Betty Marie Martell

HURLEY, Wis. - Betty Marie Martell, age 90 of Bessemer, died on Friday, Sept. 1, 2017 in Hurley. She was born Jan. 26, 1927 in Bessemer Township, the daughter of the late Frank and Mary (Ahnen) Rizzie.

Betty attended Bessemer Schools, graduating from A. D. Johnston High School with the Class of 1944. In 1948, Betty graduated from St. Mary's of Nazareth School of Nursing in Chicago, Ill. She was a Registered Nurse working in Oak Park, Ill., University of Colorado, in Milwaukee, Wis., and Grand View Hospital in Ironwood, Mich. On April 11, 1953 she married Joseph Martell.

Betty was a very active member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church. She was a member of the Ladies Guild, the Daughter's of Isabella, the church choir, church pasty maker, and for many years she was the leader of the group that served funeral luncheons. Betty was one of the original organizers of St. Vincent DePaul in Bessemer. She was active in the Bessemer American Legion and VFW fundraisers, along with her husband, Joe. Betty also worked the VFW Bingo for many years.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Joseph; her children, Jim (Dawn) Martell of Sarasota, Fl., Dennis (Colleen) Martell of Pottersville, Mich., Susan (Rich) Rausch of Midland, Mich., Paul (Kelly) Martell of Green Bay, Wis., and Michael Martell of Bessemer; 11 grandchildren, Carrie (Rico) Frias, Christie Martell, Amie Martell, Stephanie (Michael) Matalone, Phillip (Jessica) Rausch, Matthew Rausch, Steven Rausch, Joshua Martell, Carson Martell, Aaron Martell, and Megan Martell; and 5 great-grandchildren, Cameron, Ysabel, Maceo, Emil, and Alexander.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Glen Rizzie, her nephew, Dean Rizzie; and sister-in-law, Theresa Sharpe.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer. Fr. Dominic Agyapong will be the celebrant. Betty's family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to the mass at the church on Wednesday. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Sebastian Catholic Church.

Range Funeral Service, Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of Bessemer is assisting the family with arrangements. To view this obituary or send online condolences, visit us at rangefuneralservices.com.