Bette was born in Elyria, Ohio to Eugene and Mavis Wurm on April 15, 1954. She was daughter number three. From first grade to high school, she was raised in Vermillion, Ohio with her 3 sisters Brenda, Chris, And Sue.
Bette loved to perform. She excelled in choir, band, musicals and cheerleading. In her Junior year she was cast as Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel. She thought the part was perfect because her character marries the fisherman and wind up having eight children.
Bette attended Bowling Green State University where she studied education and eventually became a high school teacher. Her sister Chris was kind enough to let Bette live with her and her family so she could finish her degree. With only two quarters to finish, Chris set Bette up on a blind date.
That blind date would become Bette’s husband 3 years later. Kirk worked for the Ford Motor Company and they moved to Michigan. Within a year and a half their “miracle” son Garrett was born. Bette was deliriously happy! All her dreams had come true! She was married to a Catholic , had a beautiful son and was a stay at home housewife. She remained busy with mom’s groups, her church and decorating their home. She loved having family gatherings at her home. The more, the merrier. Bette was devastated when she was told she couldn’t have any more children. Her dream of having 5 children disappeared. But she traded in God’s plan and in 1998 a beautiful little girl “Gabi” would be placed in their family through adoption. The family was like gypsies and moved from Michigan to North Carolina, to Michigan, to Texas and back to Michigan. Bette always did her best to get her kids adjusted to a new town, new schools and a new church.
Bette thoroughly enjoyed home decorating, painting and drawing.
Bette was preceded in death by her parents Eugen and Mavis (Andrews) Wurm as well as her sisters Christine and Brenda. Bette was a devoted ife, mother, sister and grandmother. She is survived by her husband Kirk Born; children Garrett and Gabriella; 3 grandchildren, and sister Susie.
Viewing will be held Friday, October 9, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. at St. George Catholic Church, 300 E. 16th Ave. Apache Junction, AZ 85119. Mass will start at 12:30 PM and there will be a reception to follow at church.
Bette was brave in her fight against a long illness. She will be greatly missed.