November 5, 1929 -August 29, 2025
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Elizabeth (Betty) C. Last, aged 95 of Kenosha, Wisconsin, who peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, August 29, 2025. Born on November 5, 1929, Elizabeth was a cherished mother, a beloved friend, and a remarkable woman whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.
Mom always told us, “Do as I say, not as I do.” If you are going to do anything, be the best! I found out that as a teenager, she and her best friend Dorothy would hitchhike from Silver Lake to downtown Kenosha to go dancing on Fridays.
In the 1950’s she was popular at the Congress Club open mic, where she played her harmonica. The bartender Dick Derby became a longtime family friend. He even became the godfather to my baby brother, Steven.
She was a true partner to our Dad. Even though at the time women seldom worked outside of the home, she worked hard to help support six children. She worked as a waitress, and professional mixologist, bus driver. She studied with Zig Ziglar and Dale Carnegie. Whenever she took a new job, she excelled and took on leadership roles, creating her own businesses. Toy Shoppers Service, Christmas Around the World, and Amway. When asked what she was most proud of, she responded, “her 6 children.” She gave a lot of herself as a Girl Scout leader and active supporter of Shoreliners Drum & Bugle Corp. She was always there at the Tremper football games, cheering on Mark & Mike.
Betty loved to garden, oil painting, and playing cards like royal rummy and pokeno.
Elizabeth is survived by her loving daughters, Shiela Last-Heg (Larry), Sherri Last-Tracy (John), and sons, Mark (Dai), Sherman, and Steven (Nancy) Last; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who, along with family and friends, will deeply miss her compassion and strength. She was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Last, and son, Michael J. Last, and grandparents, Frank and Clara Bruenning; her mother, Bertha Bitter, and her siblings, Shirley, John, and Billie Bitter. She will be remembered for her unwavering spirit and the love she shared with all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Private entombment will follow in Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to Hospice Alliance https://www.hospicealliance.org/ or Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/wi would be appreciated.
May her soul rest in peace, and may the love she shared continue to guide and inspire all who knew her.
Visitation
DATE:
September 4, 2025, at 8:30 am
LOCATION:
Piasecki Funeral Home
3720 39th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144
