Betty Raskas, 91, passed away in the comfort of her home on August, 27th 2026, at the start of a lunar eclipse. She was enveloped in love by her dear children, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great grandson as she transitioned.
A creative soul, Betty was a lover and creator of art and an avid reader. She engaged with others through art and literature throughout her life, developing friendships in art classes, leading creative projects with her grandchildren in their younger years, and reading and discussing books with her close friends.
Betty had a talent for bonding with others. She had a way of learning the specific needs of each person she loved and showing up for them in precisely that way. Her family described this natural ability to connect with anyone at their level with no expectation or pre-judgment as her superpower. She functioned as a North Star and safe place for many of the people in her life. For those younger than her, this bond came early. She was a known baby-whisperer, delighting the special children in her life with custom-made songs. Those who were lucky to be loved by her had the privilege of seeing her face light up in their presence.
Betty’s fierce competitiveness countered her saintly tendencies. She loved to play board and card games with her family and friends, but she especially enjoyed the winning of those games and would inevitably be followed by shameless gloating. Losing to her was infuriating, but achieving victory was particularly sweet.
She was quick with a catty joke and just as quick to turn that same sharp wit toward a game she intended to win.
Betty will be remembered for her art, her catty wit, her fierce determination, and unique warmth.
Betty would want you to honor her legacy by contributing acts of kindness and compassion to the world.
Daughter of the late Dorothy and Henry Schwartz and the late Henry Levy; Beloved Wife of the late Lawrence Recht and the late Herbert Raskas; Dear Mother and Mother-in-law of Marcia (Jeff) Weis, Michael (Sandy) Tenenbaum, Stephanie (Ed Rook) Recht; Grandmother of Eric Weis, Sarah Weis, Lauren (Luke) Gottreu; Great-Grandmother of Aidan Jackson; Sister and Sister-in-law of the late Dennis (Shelly) Schwartz, late Susan Schwartz Carey, Carol Schwartz, Bonnie Levy (Tom) Cunningham and Susan (David) Kauder; Step-Mother of Dan (Debbie) Raskas and Tina Bloebaum; Honorary Grandmother of Lindsey (Nathan) Kelly, Drew (Isabel) Raskas, Pierce (Sabrea) Bloebaum, Liam and Riley Bloebaum; Aunt, Cousin and Friend to many.
Funeral Service Monday August 31, 10 AM at Berger Memorial, 9430 Olive Blvd. 63132. (Also available by Livestream). Burial will follow at United Hebrew Cemetery, 7855 Canton Ave. 63130.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children (www.mitrata.org), United Hebrew Congregation, Congregation B'nai Amoona or Congregation Shaare Emeth.
