Elizabeth (Bette) Jane Winchell

October 28, 1932 - January 22, 2021

Elizabeth (Bette) Jane Winchell, nee Gurley, of Kirtland, passed away peacefully January 22, 2021 at Kirtland Rehabilitation Center at the age of 88. She was born October 28, 1932 in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. She attended Fairport Harding High school where she met her future husband Murray. She graduated from Lake Erie College where she traveled to France as an exchange student. She and Murray married in 1956 and moved to Columbus, OH where she taught in the Upper Arlington schools while Murray finished Medical School. They then moved to Waite Hill, OH where they raised their family and lived for many years. Bette was an avid cook, seamstress, gardener, and community volunteer. Her love of fashion was always evident and led her to be a consultant for the Doncaster clothing company. She was involved with the YMCA (Chairman), Lake County School of Fine Arts, The Holden Arboretum, and the Church of the Divine Word in Kirtland. She enjoyed traveling with Murray visiting Europe, South America, Canada, and the Caribbean. Bette is survived by her children, Charles (Mary) Winchell, Cari (Patrick) Gerbracht, and her grandson Jess Gerbracht. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Murray G. Winchell; daughter, Susan E. Winchell Suski; grandson, Thadeous Suski; parents, Joseph, and Anna Gurley; and her siblings, Dr. Joseph Gurley, Dr. Julius Gurley, Margaret (Tomasik) and Anne “Tillie” (Fedak). The family would like to thank the staff of the Kirtland Rehabilitation Center and Hospice of the Western Reserve for their wonderful care and compassion during her stay. Private interment will be at Waite Hill Village Cemetery. A memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to: Hospice of the Western Reserve or The Holden Arboretum Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.