Lifelong resident of Albert Lea, Bette Ann (Johnson) Pederson, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea. She was 77 years old.

Bette was born in Albert Lea on Dec. 25, 1925, the daughter of Dr. H. E. and Edith (Sullivan) Johnson. She was a graduate of Albert Lea High School, Class of 1943, and the University of Minnesota, Class of 1946. She was employed as a dental hygienist at her father’s dental office.

On Dec. 6, 1947, she was united in marriage to Dale A. Pederson at Christ Episcopal Church in Albert Lea. Bette was a lifelong member of Christ Episcopal Church where she served for many years on the Altar Guild.

Bette was a very artistic, talented and creative person. She enjoyed flower gardening, antiquing, and furniture restoring and refinishing.

She is survived by two sons: Craig Pederson and his wife, Susan, of New York and their daughter, Shoshanna, and David Pederson and his wife, Linda, of Albert Lea; one sister, Virginia Ingersoll and her husband Charles of Seguin, Texas; one brother, Robert Johnson and his wife Margaret of Albert Lea; and by nieces and nephews.

Bette was preceded in death by her parents; three aunts: Ella Johnson, Mabel Thompson and Esther Hayenga; and her husband, Dale, in April of 1997.

In the spirit of giving, Bette graciously donated her body to the Mayo Foundation in the hope of helping others. A memorial service to celebrate Bette’s life is being planned.