MUNCIE – Former Albany resident Bette Metsker Brown, age 89, Muncie, died Thursday night at Morrison Woods Health Campus, Muncie. Born on March 2, 1921, she was a granddaughter of the prominent Hamilton County Metsker family. She was raised in Broad Ripple and a proud graduate of "City Hospital" (Wishard). She loved her nursing career and met her husband Stew of 55 years through an introduction by one of her public health families. Bette was the organization behind her husband's successful medical practice. Always needing a challenge, her educational accomplishments included a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Masters in Education, both from Ball State, and post graduate work in clinical psychology. Bette was one of the first special education teachers in Delaware County and was involved in mainstreaming it into regular classroom education. Through the Muncie Area Career Center, Bette taught LPN students. Her endless creativity was expressed in such venues as Hi Fever Follies, Charity Ball, Seasonal parades, neighborhood puppet shows, and her business venture in Albany called Silk Purse and Sows Ear. The Brown's home was always open to visitors since Bette was one who never met a stranger. She was especially a mentor to many prospective nursing students, friends, relatives, or anyone with desire needing encouragement. A dedicated philanthropist, Bette used her talents in her lifetime membership in Psi Iota Xi and the Delaware-Blackford County Medical Auxiliary.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Deborah S. Bronnenberg, Demaree L. Temple (husband: John), and Stewart C. Brown, M.D. (wife: Pam); 5 grandchildren: Christian L. Jennings (husband: David), Aaron M. Bronnenberg, Courtland R. Brown, Seth M. Brown, and Kylie J. Brown. She was "Ga Ga" to her great-grandchild: Mia D. Jennings.

Her husband, Dr. Stewart D. Brown, M.D., preceded her death in 1998.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Monday, November 22, 2010, at Meacham Funeral Service, Albany, with burial following at Strong Cemetery.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 2 until 5 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home.

The family expresses appreciation to those assisting with her care at Elmcroft & Morrison Woods, her longtime friends Frank & Barbara Batsch, Mary Liz & Bob Ryan, DDS, and the Gramman family who continued supporting her with letters and visits.

In lieu of flowers you may donate to Albany Library Fund or the Activity Dept. at Elmcroft or Morrison Woods nursing facilities.