COLUMBUS
Betty L. Cooley, 81, of Columbus, passed from this life at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, October 18, 2018 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.
Mrs. Cooley was born November 9, 1936, in Columbus, the loving daughter Thomas E. and Frona M. Hines Massey. On November 12, 1954, Betty married James M. Cooley; he preceded her in death January 5, 1997.
Mrs. Cooley was a 1954 graduate of Columbus High School.
While in high school, she started working at the Bartholomew County Hospital. This would lead to a 59 year career at the hospital where she retired as the data processing manager at Columbus Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Cooley was a faithful member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church.
Her family was her life, and she cherished the fun times they had together.
An avid bowler, she participated in bowling leagues and was a past-secretary of the Columbus Bowling Association.
Mrs. Cooley is survived by her children, Kathy (Brad) Anderson of Hope and Donald Cooley of Columbus; grandchildren, Amy (Josh) Menefee, Laura Herron, Sara (Bill) Pierce, Matthew Joseph (Heidi) Cooley, Michael (Gloria) Gibson, Adam (Sarah) Anderson and Mathew (Colleen) Gibson; 24 great-grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild.
Mrs. Cooley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a great-grandson, Alexander Anderson.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Father Clem Davis as celebrant.
Family and friends may gather for visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Wednesday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street.
The Rosary will be recited at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Cooley will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
