A kind and gentle lady went to heaven on Monday, February 6, 2023, when Beatrice “BeBe” Detrie passed away. She was born to the late Stella (Vandenhouten) and Eugene Cravillion on October 27, 1927, in her grandparent’s home in Luxemburg on her grandmother’s birthday. She was so tiny, her grandpa Ben said, “Let’s call her little BeBe”, so BeBe it was.
She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, and later went on to graduate from Luxemburg High School, Class of 1945, where she was a cheerleader and drum majorette. After graduation, she went to work in the office at Green Bay Drop Forge. She loved and married Merlin Detrie on September 17, 1946, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Luxemburg. BeBe went from being the barber’s daughter to being a farmer’s wife. She and Merlin together enjoyed 67 years of marriage.
BeBe took pride in making Christmas dinners special for her family. She showed her loving and caring nature by being a caregiver to both her mother and mother-in-law for many years. She had many good times with special friends at the New Franken Sportsman Club where her husband and sons shot trap. Retirement was filled with spending time at the cabin with many good friends. Bear hunting brought her much joy as she enjoyed riding along with the group. After Merlin passed away on August 15, 2014, she still looked forward to going along with her sons and daughters-in-law on those hunting weekends.
Shopping with her daughters was one of her greatest pleasures. She loved spending time with them. Glaucoma and macular degeneration slowly took some of her eyesight, but she was not going to let that slow her down. BeBe was always ready to go the next shopping adventure. She was thankful for her kids making it possible for her to stay in her home as long as she could, and for talking such good care if her. The invitations, visits, and phone calls meant everything to her. Bringing her meals and her favorite treats was very much appreciated. BeBe also wanted to make sure they knew how much she loved them. She was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Community.
BeBe is survived by her four children, Sally DeGrave, John (Bobbie) Detrie, Jim (Judy) Detrie, and Dee (Mark) Bevernitz; her grandchildren, Scott (Lynn) DeGrave, Jason DeGrave (Terry DeBauche-Stormer), Jeff (Jenny) Detrie, Jill (Lee) Siebert, Jenny Detrie, John Detrie, April (Steve) Hoslet, and Nick (Kim) Neuville; 15 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Dolores Detrie, and a son-in-law, Dale DeGrave.
Friends may call at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 3425 Willow Road, on Friday, February 10th from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. Dennis Ryan officiating. Burial will be in Holy Martyrs Catholic Cemetery. On-line condolences may be given at www.prokowall.com.
BeBe’s family extends a special word of thanks to Kim Neuville, April Hoslet, and Judy Metzner for their loving care, and to the caring staffs of Autumn’s Promise Assisted Living and Unity Hospice.