Betty Barry

Betty Barry, after a prolonged illness, passed away on Sunday, September 25, 2005 at Rose Arbor Hospice. She was 81.

Betty was born in Hutchinson, MN on January 14, 1924 to August C. and Nathalia (Hansen) Johannsen, both of Danish descent. She had two siblings. A brother, Viggo who preceded her in death and a sister Judith Post (Irv) who resides in Jacksonville, FL with her family. The family moved to Minneapolis shortly thereafter where Betty spent her formative years. In high school, Betty participated in cheerleading and was a member of the church choir. Upon graduation from South High School, Betty completed the Minnesota School of Business Secretarial Program. The Upjohn Company hired her in 1944 as a clerk, and then she progressed to a stenographer in the credit dept. She then moved to the company's new Chicago Branch and was promoted to Executive Secretary to the Branch Office Manager. She spent 5 years with the company.

Betty married W.F. "Bill" Barry on July 3, 1949. They had many wonderful years together where they enjoyed traveling, playing bridge with friends, golfing, dancing and spending quality time with their family. Her son Steve resides here in Mattawan with his wife Kathryn (Byrne) and their two children John and Patricia. John and his wife Shayna (Schupan) are expecting a child in October. Betty recently attended a shower for her first grandchild and was so looking forward to the birth of her first great-grandchild! Her daughter, Lynn and her husband John (Phillips) reside in Asheville, NC. They have three children. Michelle Bingham (Jeff) of San Antonio, TX, Melissa of Cleveland, OH, and Barry who attends Gardner Webb University in NC.

Betty was a multi-talented person who enjoyed arts and crafts of all kinds. She won a Blue Ribbon in a Florida Craft Show for her ceramic lamp entry and was featured in the Kalamazoo Gazette for her hand-knitted ribbon coat and dress ensemble. Her many hand-painted water colors can be seen hanging in the homes of her family.

She also enjoyed playing cards of all kinds with friends and family as well as being an avid reader. Her family will remember her quiet strength, her unshakeable faith, her love of people and life, that great golf swing and those delicious peanut butter balls.

The family has planned a visitation for Tuesday evening, September 27 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, Stadium Drive West of US-131, 375-2900, where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 PM that evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Interment at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rose Arbor Hospice, St. Joseph Catholic Church or the charity of your choice. www.lifestorynet.com