Bette J. "Bette Boop" Kassa, 76

Bette J. "Bette Boop" Kassa, age 76, of Elko New Market, died unexpectedly at her home on Friday, May 9, 2025.  Bette was born on December 24, 1948, in Granite Falls, MN, to Vernon and Helen (Saltvig) Riss.  She grew up in the Sacred Heart area until the family moved to Richfield.  After graduating from Richfield High School, her first marriage to Richard Stolp blessed her with a son, Rick, Jr.  A number of years later, she met a very personable man, who was constructing her sister's driveway, and a spark was born; he invited her to a play and their future was sealed!  She married Ronald A. Kassa on May 3, 1997, at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and her family grew.  Perhaps it was the arboretum that spurred her love of gardening as she was known for her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens.  She loved being outside, whether it was gardening or tending to the lawn, mowing and weeding.  In fact, she spent two hours working on the lawn the day she died.

 She worked at Phillips Temro and Control Data but in more recent years, enjoyed nothing more than taking care of her home, her family, and especially her husband.  Grass never grew under Bette's feet!  She was continually on the go, and was known to take the coffee cup out of your hand to wash it before the cup was cool!  She hated clutter and was meticulous about the cleanliness of her home.  Her family knew her as stubborn with a loud voice to let you know what her wishes were!  She had a great sense of humor and had no problem laughing at herself.  Bette was funny and had a soft spot for her dogs, all of which were named Charlie!  Parkinson's and Alzheimer's created special challenges but she handled them with grace and determination, never letting them define her or slow her down.  Her indomitable spirit will be missed by her family and all who knew her.

Bette is survived by her husband, Ron; children, Rick (Cindy) Stolp of Pine City, Wendy (Chris) Mehlhaff of West Port, SD, Dawn (Gene) Letendre of South St. Paul, Diane (Dave) Severson of Barnard, SD, Chrissy (Rob) Young of Coon Rapids, Michelle (Kevin) Brown of Pequot Lakes, Josh (Shaina) Kassa of New Prague; 22 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bob (Sandy) Riss of Savage, Lonnie (Vicki) Riss of Buffalo; sister, Cheri (Jim) Berner of Richfield; favorite furry friend, Charlie.  She is preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Marilyn; first husband, Richard Stolp.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, May 16, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at Bruzek Funeral Home with Pastor Ben Hilding officiating.  Visitation will take place 2 hours prior to service from 5-7 p.m.  

bruzekfuneralhome.com