I have written before about the musical comedy troupe of which Peggy is a part, “Minnie Pause and the Hot Flashes.” It is a group that has brought joy to many folks over the last several years. In fact, the group tagline is “Joy 4 Life’s Journey.”

That journey ended today for Bette Puffer.

Bette is a long-time friend. Peggy and I taught her daughter in Sunday School and watched as Bette bravely battled breast cancer while Courtney was still in high school. Bette’s tough, and she beat breast cancer.

In our wonderful, silly show, Bette played Edie, the shopaholic who lovingly learns a few lessons along the way. In real life, Bette was the one that taught the lessons.

When we found out last year that the cancer had returned everyone was sad, but Bette refused to let that be the dominant emotion. If we really are going to sing about joy for life’s journey, it has to be all the parts of life’s journey. Nobody embodied that better than Bette.

The cancer was in Bette’s brain but she continued to perform. Even when it started impacting her ability to remember lines and dance moves, it only added to the fun of her character. That’s because Bette did not allow frustration to enter into it. When she made a mistake she just laughed at it, and that helped the rest of us to laugh along with her.

Bette’s final performance was our first ever performance at her home church. For years the church would not support the ministry, but they finally came through when we told them we wanted to perform a show for Bette’s friends and family at no charge. More than 500 people showed up that night to have a laugh, enjoy the show and honor Bette. It was one of the coolest experiences in which I have ever been privileged to participate. Bette stayed late and took pictures with everyone who wanted one, and that was pretty much everyone.

We love Bette and we will miss her. The ministry — and the show — will go on. We will not replace Bette’s character, but we will add another member of the troupe and we will continue. That is what Bette asked us to do. And her husband Willis will continue to be a part of the roadie crew with the other husbands.

The other three ladies are going to sing the finale of our show at her memorial service. No makeup or wigs, just three heartbroken women singing to the glory of God to honor their friend.

It will be something Bette would have loved.