Betty Ann Caya

BETTY ANN CAYA, age 95 of Waseca, died in the early morning of Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Lakeshore Rehabilitation Center in Waseca.

Betty was born in Waseca on March 8, 1929, to parents Louie and Lillian (Schleusner) Lewis. She was confirmed into her Christian faith at St. John Lutheran Church on May 23, 1943. She attended school in Waseca and graduated with the Bluejay class of 1947. On September 22, 1955 Betty was married to Carl Lulus Caya in Minneapolis. Over the years she was employed by Russel Miller Milling, Peterson Insurance, the E.F. Johnson Company, Brown Printing Company, Texaco, and most recently as a delivery person for “The Buzz” in Waseca. She was also a foster-mother to many children throughout her lifetime. She enjoyed knitting, cross stitching, card making, quilting, and sewing. She utilized her crafting skills to make countless school bags and military kits, and was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca where she was a member of WELCA, sang in the choir, and served on the missions committee. 

Betty is survived by four children, Thomas Caya of Waseca, Teri (Jody) Wilker of Waseca, Tami (Larry) Paradis of Marshall, and Timothy Caya of Brookings, SD; one sister, Bonnie Lewer of Waseca; nine grandchildren, Nicole Mihm, Natasha Wilker, Nerissa Wilker, Andrew Caya, Samantha Petersen, Danielle Paradis, Taelynn Caya, Talyssa Caya, and Tiana Caya; and eleven great-grandchildren, Cameron Mihm, Addison Mihm, Griffin Mihm, Emmilyn Mihm, Aubrey Caya, Elliott Caya, Jayden Caya, Anastasia Petersen, Josephine Petersen, Lillie Vance, and Lexie Vance. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a brother, Donald Lewis; a sister, Marjorie Deef; and a nephew, Jeffery Lewis.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca, with Rev. Ashley Kuhlman officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour before the service at the church. Interment will follow at Woodville Cemetery in Waseca.