Betty Ann Barrera September 14, 1947 – December 05, 2018 Share this obituary Send Flowers View/Sign Guest Book| Send Sympathy Card Betty Ann (Coss) Barrera, 71, of Mendota passed away unexpectedly December 5th, 2018 at OSF St. Anthony’s Medical Center, Rockford. Mass of Christian burial will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, Mendota with Father Fulgens Rutatekuruwa officiating. Cremation rites will follow the Mass and burial will be private at Holy Cross Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be Sunday from 1-4 p.m. in the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. Betty “Boop” Barrera was born September 14, 1947 in Rockford to Richard and Verna (Stayton) Coss. She spent her childhood forming friendships and mentoring her younger siblings on the south side of Ottawa before graduation from Marquette High School in 1965.
Upon graduation she attended beauty school and worked as a beautician. Later, Betty turned her greatest strength- unifying people- into a beloved lifelong career as Activities Director of Heritage Manor in Mendota. In more than 30 years on the job, her compassion shined through constantly, and she became known for her infectious smile and can do attitude.
In retirement, Betty’s larger-than life personality continued, acting as President of the William Way Social Committee where she was loved and credited for bringing the community together. Betty was most known by those who loved her for her open door and her open heart. She never met a stranger without offering a smile.
She always made family a priority and loved her’s deeply. Her family has always extended beyond her own and she will always be remembered to many as a second Mom. She has made a huge difference in the lives of many.
Betty is survived by two daughters, Jody Fogle of Utica and Julie Donovan (Mike Sutton) of Mendota; one son, Gary (Beth) Barrera of Mendota; five grandchildren, Austin Fogle, Haylie Barrera, Berenna Donovan, Alex Barrera, and Kylie Donovan; one great grandchild, Harlie Grace Madonna; three sisters, Theresa Schmitto, Margaret Rosales, and Sheila (Remberto) Arteaga; one sister-in-law, Sandra Coss and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father Richard Coss, mother Verna Coss; two brothers Garry Coss and John “Jack” Coss, and one nephew, little Larry Falcon. Other special friends of Betty include Jeff Hathaway, Mark Mellott, Keith Countryman, Karen Herbert, Dani Henry, Tony Madonna, the entire original Marianne apartment crew, the Stough Group friends, Heritage Manor friends and many, many more.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
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