Bernetta Elizabeth Jaenson

Grandma Petey" claimed her final reward on January 29, 2014, surrounded by daughters and granddaughters. Liz was named "Grandma Petey" by some of her great-grandchildren because they could not pronounce her last name. She had a dachshund named "Petey", so naturally she became "Grandma Petey".
She was born Elizabeth Martin September 12, 1920 in Casper, the daughter of George Mack Martin and Zuba "Happy" Martin. Liz, as she was affectionately known, attended schools in Casper and graduated from Natrona County High School in 1938. While in high school, she, along with 6 other girl friends, were the purchasers of "Ophelia de Bump', a Ford Model "T" car with a missing roof. She recently stated she was one of the "good girls" because she didn't smoke. Only good girls were allowed to ride in the car. "No boys allowed"!
After graduation, she was employed by Crane O'Fallon, a plumbing supply company. While employed there, she met the love of her life and future husband, Roy Jaenson, who had been transferred to Casper from Denver to manage the business. They were married on March 6, 1941.
During the war she played piano at the Casper Air Base on Saturday nights for the servicemen who were stationed there. She was a tireless supporter of the arts and was the organist for the First Christian Church until she began raising a family.
The family home was on the corner of 2nd Street and Beverly in Casper. From there the kids went to Willard School. At that time the schools had no libraries, Roy and Liz started the school library program in Willard School. They took their dream to the PTAs in Casper to further their effort. Soon after, the idea was taken up by the school district. Libraries were then made part of all the schools in Casper and Natrona County, thanks to their early efforts. While Liz was working as a secretary at Willard School, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The disease took most of her sight, but it was not successful in taking her wonderful personality, optimistic outlook and value of life.
In her "spare time", Liz did alterations along with lots of sewing. She loved doing handwork such as afghans, many of which are still in the hands of family and friends.
Liz was preceded in death by her life partner Roy in 1994, and her 2 sons Harold and Kenneth.
Her legacy will be carried on by her daughters Carol Kinney and husband Jim of Newcastle, Nancy Shogren and her husband Ron of Casper, and Kathy Senior and her husband Bob of Casper. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and one honorary grandchild. Her family was truly the high point and love of her life. She made this very clear to all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels or Shepherd of the Valley Care Center Activity Fund, where she was a resident for the past 4 years.

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