Betty L. Harkness, age 89, of Merrill, died Saturday, April 13, 2013, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill under Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.
She was born April 24, 1923 in Merrill, the daughter of the late Francis and Hattie (Grosskopf) Cotey. Betty married John Liebig on October 11, 1943 in Merrill. He died May 7, 1975. She then married Melvin Harkness on October 9, 1976, in Kenosha. He died November 5, 2003.
Betty attended Trinity Lutheran School, grades 1 through 8, and was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Merrill. She was a 1942 graduate of Merrill Senior High School. Betty worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Company for 10 years. She moved to Kenosha in 1950 and worked for Sears and Robuck Company for 5 years and then V.R. Wesson for 31 years, retiring in 1986. She moved back to Merrill in 2011. Betty was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. In her younger years, Betty played third base for the Merrill Cadets Women’s baseball team. She enjoyed bowling, fishing and reunions with her family.
She is survived a sister, Marion Ament of Merrill and several nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and husbands, Betty is preceded in death by her brother, Frank Cotey Jr and 3 sisters: Helen Haeger, Dorothy McCarthy and Louise Lokemoen
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church. The Rev. R. Brian Stolarczyk will officiate. Burial will be at Merrill Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:30AM to 11:00AM Wednesday at the church.
The family requests memorials may be given to Bell Tower Residence or Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online tributes may be made at www.waidfuneral.com .