Betty L. (Waluch) Becker passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 20, 2013. Betty was born on October 9, 1930, in Kenosha to Harold and Edna (Pitts) Gross. She was educated in Kenosha schools, graduating from Kenosha High School in 1948. Betty came from a musical family; her father played the piano, and she was a very talented singer, often performing with her brother and closest high school and lifelong friends.
On September 17, 1955, she married Anthony J. Waluch and they were blessed with four children, Jeff, Terry, Mary Jo, and Rudy. They later divorced. She was a member of PWP (Parents Without Partners) when she met and married Frank H. Becker on October 21, 1978, who had 10 children of his own. Frank fought a valiant battle with cancer and passed away in January 1986.
Betty was gifted with numbers and made her living as an auditor at the First National Bank. She was a meticulous record keeper and conscientious worker, once uncovering a fraud ring that eventually saved the bank hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Betty was an excellent bowler and bowled for the Candlelight club for several years, once boasting a 167 average. A wonderful cook and an avid card player, Betty took much joy in her family and friends. Betty was especially fond of picnics and was known for making the world's best potato salad. She modeled loyalty and friendship and was an active member of her Kenosha High School Class of 1948 Reunion Committee.
Betty was patient and kind. She loved to hear from her kids on the phone, and always loved to hear stories about her grandchildren and their accomplishments. Betty had a deep and abiding faith that played out more in her actions than in church rituals.
Betty loved traveling with her husband Frank out west or going on cruises and camping trips with her in-laws and the close friends she and Frank shared. They enjoyed playing gin till all hours. She and Frank were ardent supporters of Kenosha's music programs. They often attended local school concerts in support of their children, and Betty also volunteered joyfully for many years for the Meals on Wheels Program.
Betty is survived by her four loving children Jeffrey R. Waluch of Texas, Terry Waluch of Kenosha, Mary Jo Apostolu of Venice, FL, and Rudy (Missy) Waluch of Lake Orion, MI. She is also survived by her six beloved grandchildren, Taylor Anne Waluch, Charlie Waluch, Jake Apostolu, Luke Apostolu, Reece and Owen Waluch. Betty is further survived by her dear Aunt, Lorraine Schutz; sisters-in-law, Judy Gross, Kathie Gross, Anne VonArx, Mary Ann Waluch; nephew, Michael Gross and boys, Kenosha cousins Kathy (Gary) Ladousa, Janet (Butch) Stella, Amy Klemko, the Pitts family in Tomah, Illinois and California nephews and nieces, many step children, step nephews and nieces, grandchildren and her dearest school friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Jean Marie Waluch; her brothers, Robert and Dennis Gross; sister-in-law, Katherine Gross; her nephew, Jonathon Gross and niece, Debbie Gross; stepsons, Kurt Becker, Eric Becker, and stepdaughter, Barb Becker Ervin.
Published online at KenoshaNews.com on October 8, 2014.