Bette Anne Dell'Osa

Bette Anne Dell’Osa passed away on December 9, 2025, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at the age of 93. She was born Bette Anne Rivera on May 25, 1932, in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, the daughter of Amalia “Molly” DeLuna and Amos Rivera. Orphaned before her first birthday, Bette was raised in a modest home in Trinidad, Colorado, by her grandfather Fidel DeLuna, along with Molly’s siblings, Estella “Stell” DeLuna and David DeLuna, all of whom took part in her care.

In 1954, while working in the cafeteria at New Mexico Highlands University to support her studies, Bette met and fell in love with a young professor, Dr. Harold H. Kuehn. They married the next year and remained in New Mexico for a time, where Bette earned her elementary education degree and taught first grade in Alamogordo. They later moved to Hal’s home state of New Jersey, where together they adopted and raised two children, Kirk and Shelley.

Hal passed away in December of 1990. After his passing, Bette later married Bill Dell’Osa, who passed away in February of 1998, and following his death, she married Tom Shearer, who passed away in March of 2015.

Bette was a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness from her teenage years, and her faith guided her throughout her life. She was dearly loved by her congregation, and even as Alzheimer’s gradually took her memories, friends continued to visit, bring her to meetings, and surround her with comfort, familiarity, and affection. Her congregation cared for her not only spiritually but also in practical ways, helping manage her affairs and daily needs with kindness and respect.

Bette liked to keep herself busy and loved to paint, creating fanciful portraits of her loved ones distinguished by large expressive heads and small bodies. She also had a fondness for safari animals and created a special room in her home that she proudly called the “safari room,” decorated with a variety of animal prints and safari-themed designs. She had a remarkable green thumb and filled her home with lush plants, including large ferns she lovingly tended for decades. Exceptionally resourceful during the lean years, Bette crocheted many of her own dresses, even dyeing slips to match. She never used a pattern—her creativity was so intuitive that she could design each piece as she went.

Bette also delighted in dressing up and accessorizing with jewelry, especially her beloved hats, which she wore with great joy. She adored the color purple, and together with Tom, they had their home painted lavender with dark purple trim, proudly dubbing it the “Purple Palace.” She loved welcoming friends into that home, often inviting them over to watch a movie together—War Horse held a special place in her heart and was one of her favorites.

She is survived by her daughter Shelley and son-in-law Troy Tudor, and their daughters Victoria “Tori,” Tiffany, Emily, Elizabeth, and Elizabeth’s husband Manuel “Manny” Torres; and by her grandsons Brent and Brian, the sons of her late son Kirk Kuehn. Bette also leaves behind many dear friends in her congregation who cared for her with devotion.

Bette will be remembered for her steadfast faith, quiet strength, and determination. She never gave up, meeting each stage of life with resolve and purpose. She was fastidious about her health, maintaining a supplement routine she believed contributed to her well-being and longevity. Above all, she cared deeply for her family and friends, always attentive to their health, comfort, and happiness.

A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 901 E. Mulberry Ave., Las Cruces, at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025.