The Century Walk “Naperville Loves a Parade” mural features images of Bettye Wehrli and Ed Channell behind the real individuals, both of whom played a part in raising funds for the work of art that depicts community spirit dating back to Joe Naper’s days. When Wehrli recently was honored by the Fort Payne DAR, she was recognized as one of the founding board members for Century Walk in 1995. (PN File Photo)
June 29, 2021 / Bettye Wehrli, age 87, passed away peacefully late in the afternoon on Mon., June 28, 2021. Her son, Bradley, was with her. Her devoted friends ask for others to pray for the repose of her soul and grace for her family.
Kindly send memorial gifts to Little Friends, Inc., 27555 Diehl Road, Warrenville, IL 60555.
Memorial Visitation: 2-4PM Friday, July 2, at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540. Celebration of life service to follow at 4PM at the funeral home.
Original Post, June 24, 2021 / The Fort Payne Chapter of the NSDAR recently honored one of its own for outstanding community service to the City of Naperville. This honor is presented annually to a member of the Naperville community who has made a difference and continues to make a difference in the quality of Naperville life.
Since moving to Naperville in the late 1960’s, Bettye Wehrli has been instrumental in assisting the formation of several boards and commissions, according to Sarah Dore, also a member of the DAR. Wehrli later served on these boards and commissions, Dore said, and she has enthusiastically promoted Naperville around the world for decades.
The Naperville Art Association, Century Walk Corporation, the Naperville Heritage Society and the Fort Payne Chapter are among many boards on which Wehrli has served.
“And there are many more,” noted Dore. “Around Naperville, Bettye is affectionately known as ‘Mrs. Naperville.’”
“Bettye was serving Century Walk even before it was incorporated,” said Century Walk President Brand Bobosky. “When the idea was first imagined, Bettye, Dee Pasternak and I went to meet with the Illinois Arts Council in Joliet… Bettye served as the first secretary for Century Walk… In fact, Bettye’s been with Century Walk for everything we’ve done for more than 25 years.”
And that signature flower in her hair? Her friend Beth Cerne explained, “Bettye wears it in memory of her mother.”
Dore continued, “Please join the Fort Payne Chapter in congratulating Bettye for everything she has done. Naperville would not be the lovely city it is today without her vision and commitment. Fort Payne is proud to call Bettye one of our own.”
National Society Daughters of the American Revolution since 1890
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. With more than 185,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR is one of the world’s largest and most active service organizations.
Wehrli also is known for her dedication to raising awareness about Constitution Day, observed each year on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787. For many years, her weeklong displays with historic messages and images were featured with history books at the Naperville Library.
DAR members are committed to volunteer service having served more than 12.5 million hours in communities throughout the world. To learn more about the work of today’s DAR, visit www.DAR.org.
Photos provided by Sarah Dore for the DAR.
