Bette Lou Barlass, Janesville  (1927 - 2012)

May 5, 1927 - January 30, 2012
Bette Lou Barlass, 84, of Janesville, passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2012, at her home surrounded by her loving family, following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Bette was born in Coloma, WI, on May 5, 1927, the daughter of Matthew and Lyda Slowey. She grew up in the Coloma-Poynette area and later in the Johnstown area. She married Richard S. “Dick” Barlass Sr. on Jan. 3, 1944. Following their marriage, they resided in Harmony Township on the homestead farm, where Dick spent his entire life, and where they raised their family. Bette was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, her flowers and gardening. Above all else, she enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren. Bette was a longtime member of Rock Prairie United Presbyterian Church.
Surviving are seven children: Richard Jr. of Janesville, Tom (Denise) of Janesville, Mike (Marcy) of Elk River, MN, Kathy Barlass of Janesville, Donald of Janesville, Wilva (Paul) Suchanek of Milton, and Mae (Brad) Cowan of Footville; 20 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two brothers, William (Gloria) Slowey and Jerry (Jeri) Slowey; one sister, Jean Nelson; numerous nieces and nephews.
Bette’s husband, Richard, died on Aug. 27, 2003. She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Betty Jean Krueger; her parents; one brother, Kenneth Slowey; and two sisters, Sally Kopke and Anita Roberts.
“A special thank you to Mercy Hospice for their wonderful care of Bette .”
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012, at ROCK PRAIRIE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 8605 East County Road A, Janesville. Private burial will precede the service at Johnstown Center Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Rd., Janesville. Memorials may be made to Rock Prairie United Presbyterian Church. Henke-Clarson Funeral Home is assisting the family. www.henkeclarson.com.