Barbara Faye Betten

Born Barbara Faye Mogiliner on September 21, 1932, in St. Paul, Minnesota, she lived a life rich in family, friendship, and devotion. It was in Minnesota that she met the love of her life, David Betten. The two were wed on June 22. They were exceptionally fortunate early in their marriage; a perfectly timed pregnancy meant David was not drafted into military service, allowing them to remain together and focus on building their home. They shared 74 beautiful years of marriage, with Barbara passing just two days shy of their 74th wedding anniversary.

Barbara was a vibrant, deeply social person who was always there for her family and friends. Known for her warmth and generosity, she loved hosting dinners and could always be counted on to provide delicious baked goods for every milestone and celebration. Her impact on those around her was profound; as one close friend shared, Barbara was the person everyone wanted to be—beautiful, always friendly, and someone who never had a bad word to say about anyone.

Deeply involved in her community and career, Barbara served as President of the Temple Emanu-El Sisterhood. She was also a talented professional, working as a top salesperson at Gus Mayer, where she specialized in designer outfits and shared her eye for style with many. In her free time, she was an avid player of Mah Jongg and Canasta, enjoying the camaraderie and laughter shared around the game table.

She is survived by her beloved husband, David; her three children, Debbie Sabel of Atlanta, Georgia, Doug and his late wife Carol of Dallas, Texas, and Craig (Simcha) Betten of Israel. She is also survived by her sixteen cherished grandchildren: Debbie’s son, Greg Schwartz; Doug’s children, Daniel, Rachel, Sarah, and John; and Craig’s children, Hadaar, Rivka, Yisca, Hode, Devorah, Esther, Rachel, Moshe, Bat Sheva, and Shlomo. Barbara was also the incredibly proud matriarch to thirty adored great-grandchildren.

There will be a Graveside Service at Elmwood Cemetery, Wednesday, June 24, 2026 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Birmingham, Alabama 35211 in Block 36.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Barbara’s memory to the American Liver Foundation or Temple Emanu-El.