Elizabeth "Bette" Ahles

Elizabeth "Bette" Carol Ahles, 74, of Hawley, MN, died Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Sanford Health Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Bette Ames was born to Alfred and Margery (Womble) Ames (the 3rd of nine children) in Detroit Lakes, MN. She spent the majority of her youth at Big Elbow Lake (Waubun) in Northern Becker County. One of her most important responsibilities was helping raise her younger siblings.

Bette graduated from Waubun High School in 1968. After high school she went to work at the State Attorney’s Office in St. Paul, MN. 

She was united in marriage to Tony Ahles in 1969. Bette was blessed with three children: Kim, Marc and Krissy whom she loved dearly and dedicated her life to.

Bette spent her life in dedication to others. She worked with various non-profit organizations: Rural MN CEP, NW Legal Services, Clay Wilkin Opportunity Council and Cass County Financial Services.

Bette enjoyed gardening, canning, baking and making jam/jellies. She joyfully shared the fruits of her labor throughout her family and community and would have jumped at the opportunity to teach you if you wanted. Her greatest delight was loving her grandchildren. Bette will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her three children: Kim (Ruth) Ahles, Marc (Amanda) Ahles and Kristina (Blair) Haugen; four grandchildren: Marli Ahles, Sidney Ahles, Carter Haugen and Lexi Haugen; five sisters: Audrey Kolnes, Beverly Bastyr, Ida (Denis) Engel, Debra (Anthony Petty) Ames and Monica Ames; two brothers: Robert (Twyla) Ames and Tom Ames; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Katheryn Ames and brother, Kenneth Anderson.

Blessed be the memory of Bette “Elizabeth Carol” Ahles.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 2:00 P.M., with visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M., at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.