Bette Ann Houtkooper

Bette Ann Houtkooper (Patron), age 86, of New York Mills, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026, at Vitality Living of New York Mills, with the love of her family at her side.

Bette Ann Patron was born on August 22, 1939, in Brocket, North Dakota, the daughter of Emil and Anna (Johnson) Patron. She grew up alongside her siblings Ruth, Robert, George, Ernest, and Elsie, learning early the values of family, hard work, and generosity that would define her life.

On March 8, 2008, Bette was united in marriage to Richard Houtkooper in New York Mills. This was a second marriage for Bette, and together they shared many years of companionship, travel, and joy.  Bette was blessed with three children: Beth, Lynette, and Bryan. Richard’s children from a previous marriage became Bette’s children as well, and she embraced them fully as her own: Kelly, Kari, Mark, Matthew, and Kirsten.

Bette was an accountant by trade, though she was often described as a true “Jill of All Trades.” She began her career with John Hancock in Minneapolis and went on to work various positions throughout her life, primarily focused on accounting and bookkeeping. Bette also opened a business alongside her cousin Sharon, sharing both her skills and entrepreneurial spirit.

Known for her warm personality, Bette had a natural gift for bringing people together and made friends wherever she went. She was creative at heart and loved flowers, crafting, and gift-giving. Whether it was a Christmas basket or a handmade creation, her gifts were always thoughtful and given with love. Bette was a true giver. 

She had a fondness for Volkswagen Beetles and enjoyed collecting miniature models of VW Bugs. Bette also treasured traveling with Richard and spending time with her family and friends. Bette was "Bonus Gramma" to the Werner Clan, a role she cherished deeply and carried with great pride. Her creative talents were proudly displayed in the window and table of arrangements at the New York Mills Senior Center, a place where she found happiness, community, and belonging. 

Those left to honor Bette’s memory include her husband, Richard Houtkooper; her children Beth (Doug) Clemetson of Seattle, Washington; Lynette (Timothy) Werner of Michigan City, Indiana; and Bryan (Sarah) Lempia of River Forest, Illinois; her stepchildren Kelly (Jerry) Birkmaier of Lakeville, Minnesota; Kari (Mike) Brennan of St. Paul, Minnesota; Mark (Susan) Houtkooper of Babbit, Minnesota; Matthew (Yon) Houtkooper of West Virginia; and Kirsten (Gary) Edevold of Park Rapids, Minnesota; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and fourteen great-great-grandchildren. 

Bette was preceded in death by her parents Emil and Anna Patron; and her siblings Ruth (Bronko) Smilanich, Robert (Alice) Patron, George (Lorraine) Patron, Ernest (Antoinette) Patron of Deer River, and Elsie Patron.

Bette’s legacy of kindness, creativity, and love for family will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

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