Betty Lou (Richardson) Barber, age 87, of Batesville, IN, and formerly of Livonia, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH.
Born on December 14, 1937, Betty Lou was one of eleven children born to Claude and Evelyn (Jacot) Richardson in Waterloo, NY. She grew up in Geneseo, NY, graduating from Geneseo High School in 1955. In the fall of 1956, she married the love of her life, David Alonzo Barber, at the Methodist Church in Geneseo. Together, they raised four children as David’s work took the family to various locations, including Barberton, OH, Caledonia, NY, Chaumont, Dexter, Lowville, and Lima, before they eventually settled in Conesus, NY.
As a dedicated wife and mother, Betty Lou was primarily a homemaker until the untimely passing of her husband in 1979. Following his death, Betty Lou attended Monroe Community College, where she studied finance, and worked various jobs to support her family. In 1992, Betty Lou moved to the village of Livonia, NY. In 2015, She relocated to Batesville, IN, where she resided until her passing. She became an active and engaged member of the communities in which she lived.
A woman of strong faith, Betty Lou’s commitment to her family, friends, and church was unwavering. She actively participated in Bible study, church activities, and volunteering. Her spare time was spent reading, doing needlework and puzzles, and she was always enthusiastic to play a game of cards. Betty Lou was fiercely loyal to her friends and family; her kindness and spirit touched everyone she encountered. Maintaining contact with friends and extended family over many years and many miles was a top priority of hers. With her strong social nature and a big heart, she had an incredible ability to make people feel loved.
Betty Lou was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her warmth, generosity, and unshakeable loyalty touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her lifetime connections remained a cornerstone of her life until her final days.
Betty Lou is survived by her children: Bob (Carolee) Barber of Indiana, LuAnn (Paul) Rogers of Washington, and daughter-in-laws: Tammy Barber and Laurel Bernhard; her grandchildren: Heather (John) Ferguson, David Barber, Laura Rogers, Jonathan Rogers, and Taryn (Steve Owczarczak) Barber; her great-grandchildren: Gabe Ferguson, Alex Ferguson, Corrine Ferguson, Alyssa Ferguson, and Audrey Owczarczak; her siblings: Gail (Tom) Walder, and Judy Richardson; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who adored her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband David, her sons Roger and Rodney, and her siblings: Ethel Britton, Percy Richardson, Dave Richardson, Lucy Barber, Phillip Richardson, Donald Richardson, Marcel Richardson, and Hubert Richardson.
In Batesville, IN, a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 12:00 PM at the United Methodist Church, with Rev. Chris Renick officiating. Meyers Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
In Livonia, NY, calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Route 15 & 20A. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 PM, with interment at Union Cemetery, Scottsburg, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Teresa House, 21 Highland Rd, Geneseo, NY 14454.
Please feel free to leave a memory or message of comfort for Betty’s family in the online guestbook at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.