Betty Salli

Betty Jane Salli died peacefully Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, at the age of 89 at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospice in Mequon.

She was born Nov. 28, 1932, in Saxon, Wis., the daughter of the late John and Hilma Hill Tapanilla.

On Dec. 6, 1952, she married Tarmo “Tom” Salli in Ironwood, Mich. Together they raised seven children and have 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She worked various factory assembly jobs over the years.

She was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Saukville.

Betty loved painting with acrylics the likenesses of the flowers she grew in her many gardens.

She and her husband traveled across the country to see their children in California, Michigan, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, Minnesota and North Carolina, camping on many trips to the Boundary Waters and balloon rallies, along with occasional gambling at Oneida in Green Bay.

Her passions were taking care of her large family, crossword puzzles, reading romance novels and birdwatching.

Survivors include six children, Terry (Sheila) Salli of San Antonio, Texas, Suzie (Walter) Rabus of Port Washington, Brenda (Harry) Bernstein of Appleton, Karen Salli of Saukville, Julie (Joseph) Post of Indian Trail, N.C., and Annette (John) Foat of Fredonia; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Bertha Bojaski of Baxter, Minn., and Jeannie Thomas of Ironwood, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her husband Tarmo, daughter Linda, two sisters and one brother.

A private family memorial service will be held in the summer when all the family can gather.

Her final resting place will be at Union Cemetery, Saukville.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.  

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.