Bette A. ‘Mimi’ (Chisholm) Frost, 96, was granted her angel wings on December 31, 2020. She was given the gift of life, and now she must return it, This is very difficult for her family, but she was a loving, caring woman, who led a wonderful existence, and for this we are grateful. “Mimi” was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved hearing about their lives and activities. She will be missed by all.
Bette was born October 25, 1924, in Brownwood, Texas, daughter of Dorothy and Clay B. Chisholm. She moved to Mount Vernon, Illinois in her early twenties where she met and married J Kenneth Frost, who preceded her in death in 1999.
Bette worked as an accountant for several local businesses throughout the years. She later acquired her real estate license and worked for Clark-Livingston realty. She was a loyal member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois.
Bette was a talented, self-taught piano player. She never learned to read music, but boy, could she pound those keys! She loved boogie-woogie music and played it with great rhythm! Bette enjoyed golf, playing three times a week with friends. She was an avid Cardinal fan and rarely missed watching a game.
Bette had a massive stroke in April 2000. She decided to be joyful about having led a full life, rather than be sad about losing her mobility. Amazingly, this outlook worked for her. She never complained about her condition and fortunately, she kept her sound mind and sense of humor. She never ceased to make her family laugh.
A Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 1:00 pm at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois with the Very Reverend Bill Howard officiating. Interment will follow. Memorials may be made in Bette’s honor to Trinity Episcopal Church. Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. We are limited to 10 people in the tent at a time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request. Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.
Bette is survived by two daughters, Vikki (Karl) Martin of Carrier Mills and Jana (Harry) Flack of Mount Vernon; six granddaughters, Kelli (Andy) Burroughs of Belleview, Florida, Angel (Brandon) Grothoff of Mount Vernon, Chelsea (Mark) Johnson of Carbondale, Stephanie (Ryan) Piper of Mount Vernon, Melissa (Brad) Chesnek of Woodlawn, and Jami (Luke) McCowen of Anna. Bette has twelve great-grandchildren, Maggie, Graeson, Preston, Eli, Hogan, Fowler, Kelcie, Joshua, Bailey, Abigail, Waylon, and Naomi; three great-great-grandchildren, Brailyn, Weston, and Paisley; and one niece, Michelle (Chisholm) Longman of Dallas, Texas.
Bette was preceded in death by her husband, J Kenneth Frost; her mother; her father; half-brother, David Chisholm; and nephew, Michael Chisholm.
Her family gives thanks to all the wonderful nurses, CNAs, and staff at Countryside Manor, her home for the past several years. She appreciated each and every one of you. We prefer to pay tribute to our mother and Mimi by not dwelling on the sadness of her passing, but rather celebrate the wonderful years we had with her.
