Betty Lou Slucher

Gracious, generous, and compassionate with just the right amount of spunk mixed in, Betty Slucher was so much fun to be around. She was hardworking and diligent - a genuine inspiration to everyone who knew her. Betty was completely devoted to her loved ones, and her selfless touch had no equal. She was wise and articulate with a desire to see those around her achieve greatness in their own lives. A woman of faith, Betty brought such joy and love to all who were near. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were serving while those who remained stateside dealt with rationing on numerous common goods. With the wars end in 1945, America was making the shift to being a nation at peace once again and the baby boom was underway. It was during this transitional time that John and Ola (Reynolds) Cornett were eagerly anticipating the birthof a new baby in July of 1947. Their wait was over when the baby girl they named Betty Lou made her arrival on July 31, 1947, in Corbin, Kentucky. She was one of four in her family, joined in the Cornett clan by her sisters, Linda and Lora, and her brother, Bill. In many ways Betty was a young girl of her generation. It was as a young girl that her nurturing spirit emerged as she was like a second mother to her younger siblings. Whenever Betty had a few cents, she usually went to the grocery to buy her sisters and brother Kool-Aid and Dum Dum suckers. She loved shopping so much that she drove her family to shop before she even had a license! Betty attended local schools including Lily High School in Lily, Kentucky. After graduating in 1965, she went on to cosmetology school.

First and foremost in Bettys life was always her family. She was so blessed with her three children, Kelli, Kristi, and Jason, and she was an amazing mother. As her daughters got older Betty loved shopping and getting their nails done together. Betty was also thrilled to become a grandmother to 17 grandchildren. On April 1, 2005, she married her beloved husband, Donald Dobbert, in Rainbow City, Alabama. Among some of Bettys favorite moments were traveling with her family to see the rest of her family, and she also looked forward to houseboat vacations to Dale Hollow, Cumberland, and Laurel Lake with extended family. She did enjoy traveling with Don, although she wasnt too fond of having to pull boats, motorcycles or Dons other junk!

In addition to caring for her family Betty also kept busy with other things. She was a great beautician for years, and she also worked as a nurses aid and assembly worker. The bulk of Bettys career was spent working at Dana Corporation as she was there for 30 years.

All who knew Betty would agree that she was truly extraordinary. She had a quick wit and a fun-loving personality as she was known for saying things like, I tried to be normal once, it was the most boring two minutes of my life, and, A bad attitude is like a flat tire, you dont get very far unless you change it. Betty was insightful as well as she often said, My strength did not come from lifting weights. My strength came from lifting myself up when I was knocked down, as well as, Those we love dont go away, they walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved still missed. Nurturing and giving, Betty was always looking out for others. Even when she was in the hospital, she was asking for covers for her sister rather than worrying about herself. For years she was a member of The Chapel Church in Fort Wayne.

Through the life she lived each day, Betty Slucher inspired all who were within her reach through her selfless sacrifices throughout her entire life. She was always looking for ways to bless others, and her love for her family was truly unmatched. Betty treasured her roles as a wife and mother, but nothing compared to the joy she felt in being a grandmother. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

Betty Lou Slucher, of Columbia City, passed away at 4:06 p.m. on Friday July 1, 2016, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Bettys family includes her husband, Donald Dobbert of Columbia City; daughters, Kelli (Shawn) Deck and Kristi (Dustin) Shepherd both of Columbia City; son, Jason (Kimberly) Slucher of Columbia City; 17 grandchildren; sisters, Linda (Gerald) LaRue of Columbia City and Lora (David) Elliott of Hartselle, AL; brother, Bill (Kathi) Cornett of Arley, AL; nieces, Kristen Roach and Amanda Tokarz; nephew, Nathan Cornett; and special friend, Linda Coulter. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ola Cornett; step-daughter, Melanie; and granddaughter, Kaitlyn. Friends may call on Monday July 4, 2016 from 2-6 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Betty will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at the funeral home, with calling one hour prior. Burial will follow in IOOF Cemetery, New Haven. Memorial contributions in memory of Betty may be made to American Cancer Society. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send a condolence or to sign the online guest register.