Service Details
Private graveside services will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, where she will be buried next to her husband, Dick. A memorial service will be held next summer as a celebration of her life. Details will be relayed to family and friends as the date and location are finalized.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Betty, the family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research.
Betty Menden passed away on November 1st 2020, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease at the age of 95. Betty was born in Racine, Wisconsin to Floyd and Bernice Miller on October 7, 1925 and lived most of her life there.
She was married to Richard “Dick” Bayer on June 29, 1946 and they had two sons, Rick and Ron. A few years after Dick’s untimely death in 1973, she married Laymond (Gus) Menden, and gained 5 step-daughters (Linda Reynolds, Kathleen Rehahn, Michele Klofanda (Gerard), Karen Long (David), and Mary Jo Rallo (Lee). Along with being a homemaker, Betty held many different jobs throughout her life – as a picture colorist at Zahns, a line worker at Mamco, a stint at Hamilton Beach and then retired from AAA where she worked for over 25 years.
Betty was always on the move, especially after retirement. She attended water aerobics at the YMCA into her middle 80s, was an avid movie-goer, was a member of the Racine Red Hat Society, and did many presentations at nursing homes and schools to display and demonstrate her basket-making skills. She was an expert sewer, making many of her own clothes over the years. She also golfed and bowled, and loved to travel, visiting many US states with “Dick and the kids”, a tour of Ireland and especially her many trips to visit her son Ron in Washington State. There they visited Seattle, the Pacific ocean and the Cascades Mountains on many occasions, usually accompanied by her sister, Joyce.
She is survived by her two sons, Rick (Carol Anderson) and Ron (Todd Peterson), two grandchildren Michael Bayer (Amy) and Katie Faris, and three great-grandchildren, Ava, Cora and Lexi. The oldest sibling of a family of eight children, she is survived by sisters Patricia Miller, Susan Miller and Yvonne Craft and brother Jim Miller, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband (Richard Bayer, Sr) a brother, Jerome Miller, and two sisters, Joyce Andersen and Donna Schust.
Private graveside services will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, where she will be buried next to her husband, Dick. A memorial service will be held next summer as a celebration of her life. Details will be relayed to family and friends as the date and location are finalized. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Betty, the family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research.
Lisa J Greco. Punta Gorda FL says
Dear Rick and Ron,
My sincere condolences on the passing of your wonderful mother. It’s been 30 years since I last saw your mom when she hosted a lovely luncheon for me and my sisters after we lost our mom, ( Shirley Orttel). I remember her beautiful Christmas village was set up for the holidays.
Your mom was a wonderful and caring friend, visiting my mom during her illness, which I know meant the world to my mother. She supported us at a time when we needed it and was much appreciated. Hopefully they will find each other again .
Sincerely, Lisa Orttel Greco
Liz Boss says
Such a beautiful and elegant lady. I have so many great memories of Auntie Betty. I’m sure my Mom was waiting for her at the pearly gates!
Joni Miller’Shea says
Aunt Betty you will be greatly missed.. prayers to the family
Jay Butler says
Rick and family, You have my deepest sympathy regarding your mothers’ passing. She was a good friend to my dad while they were at Elizabeth Gardens/Racine. Take care during this sad time. Jay Butler.
Myra Fox says
Sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. I was one of her YMCA instructors and truly enjoyed having her in my classes. Always a smile on her face and willing to try anything.
Lee and Mary Jo Rallo says
Betty was a very important part of our family and we are grateful for her lovely spirit. She will be missed very much.
Linda & Jim Haack, Racine says
Betty was always a ray of sunshine at our water aerobics classes at the YMCA. She was such an inspiration to us all, and a friend to everyone. She invited us to her home and showed us her baskets, dolls and Christmas displays. She also invited us to her Elizabeth Gardens home. We shared our love of cats. I’ve missed her but I believe there was a place waiting for her above. Our sympathy to the family.
Carol Henricksen Neumiller says
Such a lovely lady! Always so kind and friendly. Betty worked with my dad at AAA so I got to see her whenever I stopped at the office. My sympathy to her family.