Submitted by: Dan Rich

Betty Lou Karnes

Aug. 1, 1926 - May 30, 1997

South Bend Tribune 6/1/1997

MISHAWAKA - Betty Lou Karnes, 70, of Englewood, Fla., formerly of West 14th Street, Mishawaka, passed away at 8 p.m. Friday, May 30, in her home after a brief illness. Betty was born Aug. 1, 1926, in South Bend to Peter M. and Ann E. ''Betty'' LaCava, both of whom preceded her in death.

On May 24, 1947, Betty married Robert A. Karnes at St. Monica's Catholic Church, Mishawaka. She is survived by her husband and two sons, Larry (Mary) Karnes of Mishawaka and Ronald (Carol) Karnes of Osceola. A third son, Robert, died in May of 1978. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Theresa and Douglas of Mishawaka and Frances, Anthony and Thomas, all of Osceola. Also surviving is one brother, Peter M. (Doris) LaCava of Mishawaka and two sisters Rose Marie (Joe) Robinson of Miami Lakes, Fla. and Marjorie (James) Kish of Mishawaka. Another sister, Roxy Ann Werbrouck died in 1968.

Betty was a member of St. Frances Church in Englewood and was an active member of the Community Club in her area as well as a former volunteer at the hospital there. She was a member of St. Bavo's parish where she sang in the choir for many years. Betty was also a past officer in PTA at South Side School and belonged to the Good Fellows Club and the Snowmobile Club as well as the Democratic Women's Club. She was an avid gardener and was a 1944 graduate of Mishawaka High School.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 2 at Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th St, Mishawaka, where a rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. in the funeral home. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, June 3, at noon in St. Bavo's Catholic Church. Cremation will take place after mass. Burial will be at a later date in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice.