Betty Mendelson

With heavy hearts and endless love, we announce the passing of Betty L. Mendelson on February 22, 2026 at the age of 91. Betty was the beloved wife of Paul Mendelson, her devoted husband of 65 years. She was the loving mother of her three daughters, Suzan (Dr. Leland) Laycob, Vicki (Mike) Barnell and Nina (Dr. David) Greenfield. She was the proud and adoring grandmother to seven grandchildren, Michael Laycob and Allison Matty, Andrew Barnell and Erica Newcomer and Jason, Josh and Brooke Greenfield, and the cherished great grandmother to Ethan and Oliver Laycob, Jacob and Zach Matty, Kenny and Lyra Newcomer and Clara, Henry and Charlotte Barnell. Born in St. Louis on April 1, 1934, Betty was the daughter of Ely and Leah Galansky and sister of Jeannie Darrish and Elaine Fink.

Betty graduated from Soldan Blewett High School and attended University of Missouri and Washington University. Betty and Paul married on May 5, 1953, and together they worked to grow the family business, American Loose Leaf Business Products. She also spent more than 15 years developing and managing the Forms Distributor Roadshow, one of the first traveling distributor networks in the country. Betty also brought her compassion as a longtime volunteer to the Ulcerative Colitis Foundation and to Central Institute for the Deaf, where she and Paul founded its after-school tennis program.

Family was Betty’s greatest joy, proudest accomplishment and her life’s true purpose. Together, Betty and Paul built a life rooted in unwavering love and deep commitment to family. Whether spending time with their family or engaged in activities and events supporting the St. Louis community, Betty and Paul were always together and serving as a model of leadership and love for their family and friends. We are forever grateful for Betty, known by her grandchildren and great grandchildren as “Bett Bett,” and her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.

A private family graveside service was held on Wednesday, February 25 at B’nai Amoona Cemetery. Contributions in her memory can be made to Temple Israel, Central Institute for the Deaf or a charity of your choice.