Barbara J. Betts

Barbara J. Betts, of Phoenix, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 8, at Oswego Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was 75. Barb, as she was known to family and friends, lived her entire life in the Central New York area. In 1984, she married Fred Betts, a lifetime resident of Phoenix, and they resided in the village.
Born October 3, 1941, in Syracuse, N.Y., Barb was kind, fun-loving and always willing to help those in need. Retired from Niagara Mohawk/National Grid in Oswego, her hobbies included music, antiques and travel. One of her most memorable trips of the last decade was to Ireland. She also made frequent trips to Disney World, along with treks west to Arizona, Utah and California, and to Nashville, Missouri and Florida to visit family and friends. In San Francisco and Toronto, Canada, she enjoyed attending Major League baseball games.
One of Barb's greatest passions was the plight of animals. She was especially fond of, and devoted to, her rescue cats, Josie and Frankie, who were sweet, loyal companions for the last decade of her life. She made frequent donations to the local Humane Society and was a loving caregiver, not only to her pets but to the humans in her life. As a member of the Congregational Church in Phoenix for many years, Barb often volunteered to help wherever the need was greatest. Gregarious and loved by her many friends, she will be especially remembered and missed by her church family.
She is survived by her husband, Fred Betts, daughter Monica Dreher-Stoneburg of Seffner, Fla., son Daniel Dreher of Pennellville, N.Y., sister Sharon Wade (Charlie) of Callao, Mo., niece Vicki Wade-Nadler of Mo. Wright City, M.O.; stepchildren Paula Betts Baker (John) of Derry, N.H., Stephen L. Betts of Nashville, Tenn., and Craig Betts of Phoenix, N.Y.; grandson Kenneth Stoneburg of Valrico, Fla., and step-grandchildren Daniel Baker (Hannah), Julia Baker Huffman (Timm) and Rachel Baker; great-grandson Daniel Stoneburg and step-great-grandchildren Micah Huffman, Jonah Huffman, Leola Rae Huffman, Jael Baker, Ezekiel Baker, Adah Baker, Jace Baker and Ruth Baker. Although her family is spread throughout the country, they join together in their sorrow knowing Barb will be missed and remembered by all those who knew her.
A memorial will be held at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 43 Bridge St., Phoenix, NY, 13135, on Saturday, January 21st at 11 a.m., with a lunch to follow. Donations to the church in memory of her are welcome at the above address.