Bettye Jo Martin

BRISTOL- Bettye Jo (Barnett) Martin, 88, of Bristol was called home on March 26, 2013, exactly 33 years after her beloved husband, James Martin, Jr. She was born May 3, 1924 in Foulton, KY daughter of the late George Sr. and Reba Rose (Vaughn) Barnett of Bristol. She graduated from local schools and volunteered her time during WWII as well as to the Red Cross in the 1970?s. She worked as a nurse?s aide for many years before retiring at the age of 67.

Bettye Jo was loved by many and is survived by eight daughters Joann & Larry Hooper of LA, Candyce & Alfred Longo of Bristol, Reba & Paul Politz of Southington, Michael Martin of FL, Catherine Scoville of Thomaston, Toni & Richard Marino of Bristol, Mary Martin of Bristol, whom she made her home with and Bettye Jo & Scott Mackiewicz of Harwinton; two sons James & Annette Martin of LA and Mark (Tim) Martin of Thomaston; 29 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves one sister Beverly Lavigne of CA, one brother Robert Barnett of Bristol, a sister-in-law Stella Martin of Southington, three dear friends Janice Whitely, Joann Walton and Janice Fontaine and a special feline companion Zulu. She was predeceased by one daughter and her husband, Barbara & William Rabis of Southington, one son George Martino of Bristol, three brothers Sgt. George J. Barnett, Jr., who died in the Korean War, Richard Barnett of CA and James Barnett of Plantsville, and a beloved sister and her husband Rosemarie & Mitchell Czarneski.

Bettye Jo was an avid Nascar enthusiast and lifelong Boston Red Sox fan. She will be remembered by many for her great sense of humor, invaluable wisdom, loving guidance and never ending love for each and every member of her family and countless friends.

Calling hours will be on Friday, March 29, 2013 at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 North Main Street, Southington from 4 to 6pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The CT Humane Society.