Elizabeth Mae (Bemis, Will) MacLeod passed away on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, at the age of 82 at Maplewoods Assisted Living memory care after living with Alzheimer's/ dementia for many years.  She was one week shy of her 83rd birthday.

She was born on May 16, 1941, in Faribault, MN to Harold and Elenore Bemis and grew up in the southern Minnesota town of Waterville. During primary and high school, "Liz" was involved in various activities, including band, playing piano and the trumpet. She would spend her summers working at Wildwood Resort on Bass Lake in Cohasset, MN which was owned by her parents.

Lizwent on to study Physical Education at Mankato State University and graduated with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education in 1963.  Her first teaching position for physical education was in Blooming Prairie, MN.

InJune of 1966 she married Roger Will in Grand Rapids, MN.  After spending a brief stint in Sitka Alaska, they returned to Minnesota and built a house on the west side of Bass Lake. "Betty" stayed home raising her two children, Rich and Sue, until both were in elementary school.

Betty then enrolled in Bemidji State University and graduated with a second degree in Elementary Education.  She worked as a 3rd grade teacher at Deer River North Elementary School until her retirement.  Betty loved teaching 3rd grade and always incorporated her love of nature into her classroom and lessons.

Betty's life during this time revolved around the activities of her children, Rich and Sue. She was their biggest cheerleader.  She became "mom" to the neighborhood Bass Lake kids.  She was also the 4-H mom, the swimming mom, the gymnastics mom, the cross-country ski mom, the band mom, and the college friend's mom as well. She spent many hours volunteering and spending time with all of "her kids."

While living on Bass Lake, she was a member of her neighborhood home extension group, "Kountry Klatters", making many lasting friendships.

Betty loved gardening, birds, and spending time outdoors. She had a fond hobby of collecting rocks, pinecones, and anything nature oriented. She never gave up an opportunity to stop at a garage sale, thrift shop or antique store.

She continued to be engaged in music throughout her life.   She could sit and play any piece of music put in front of her on the piano and could play many songs "by heart". Betty was a member of and a pianist/organist for the Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, MN and Lawron Presbyterian Church in Balsam, MN.

Betty was initiated into the White Oak Chapter Order of Eastern Star in 1968. Over the years she held many offices including Worthy Matron and Organist and was a very dedicated member of the Order.

Betty retired from teaching and married John MacLeod in 1999, becoming Elizabeth MacLeod; living north of Grand Rapids on Lawrence Lake.  While married to her husband John, they were active members of the Itasca Vintage Car Club.  Elizabeth and John traveled to many areas with their car collection, and she enjoyed participating in parades, competitions and the local car show and swap meet.

She was preceded in death by parents, Harold and Elenore Bemis; brother, Herbert Bemis; and second husband, John MacLeod.

Elizabeth is survived by her son, Richard (Vicky) Will; daughter, Sue (Taylor Bunes) Will; grandchildren, Maddie Bernard, Parker Bernard, Alanta Will, Teddy Will; great granddaughter Lillian Shepard; and sisters, Marian Johnson and Helen Mountain.

A visitation will be held at Libbey Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 14 beginning at 1:00 PM and lasting until the 2:00 PM funeral service. Burial will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Cohasset, MN. Rev. Dorothy Duquette will officiate.