FARMINGTON – Bette Ann Meyer, 67, of Stratton, died peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 29, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, with family members at her side, after an intense struggle with cancer. With her grace and strong faith, she taught those who were blessed to know her how to face adversity and to make the most of every moment each day.

She was born July 6, 1940, in Farmington, a daughter of John S. and Ethel K. (Smith) Donald. She was valedictorian of her class at Wilton Academy and during her high school days was a gifted public speaker, winning statewide championships. On Sept. 13, 1958, she married Earl Meyer at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wilton.

She was a dedicated, hardworking person who began working for her dad, the late John S. Donald, at the Wilton town office. She and her husband purchased the Black Bear Camps in Stratton. They later opened the Owl and The Pussy Cat, a combination gift shop, pizza and soft serve ice cream shop.

For a number of years, she was the tax collector in Stratton/Eustis and was also employed at Northeast Bank. Her entrepreneurial spirit and persistence inspired her to open the Penny Pincher, a local convenience store.

For a time, she was the head secretary at the Stratton Office of International Paper Co. and later became the manager at Kingfield Savings Bank in Stratton. A dedicated public servant, she served as the first woman selectman for the town of Stratton and also served as chairman of the board.

She was incredibly talented at making a variety of crafts and enjoyed both giving them as gifts and selling them at local craft fairs. Her artistic talent was evident through her painting, knitting, crocheting, embroidery and rug braiding.

In the late 90s, she opened a shop called Artistic Endeavors. In 2002, she redirected her energies toward caring for her youngest son, Warren, during his early rehabilitation from a serious accident. She continued caring for him and being a dedicated advocate for him right up until her passing.

She was a communicant of St. John’s Catholic Church in Stratton. She shared, with her husband, memberships in gem and mineral clubs and traveled extensively to Nova Scotia, Michigan and New York, in search of the beauty of nature’s gifts. When their children were younger, they enjoyed family camping trips throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 49 years, Earl of Stratton; three sons, Michael “Mike” and his wife, Janis, of Stratton, Paul “Ray” and his wife, Michelle, of Vienna and Warren D. of Stratton; three brothers, John L. Donald Sr. and his wife, Marcia, of New Sharon, Frank and his wife, Lisa, of Wilton and Larry and his wife, Patti, of New Sharon; one sister, Carol Ross and her husband, Joe, of Wilton; three grandchildren, Adam Meyer, Tressa Meyer and Justin Meyer; four step-grandchildren, Robert Stevens, James Stevens, Jeff Stevens and Josh Erskine; one step-great-grandson, Jakob Stevens; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents; and a sister, Beryl Richards.