Memorial services will be 12:30 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2009 at the Roseberry's Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin. Rev. Karyn D. Bodenschatz will officiate.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at Roseberry's Funeral Home.

Betty was born May 24, 1935 in Exland, Wisconsin to Edwin and Hazel (Clark) Smith. She married James D. Cowart on April 4, 1953 in Zion, Illinois. The couple raised their family in Zion and owned and operated the North Shore Restaurant for many years. Betty also drove school bus, worked at Cherry Electric, and retired from Fairway Foods. She and Jim retired to Friendship, WI in 1999 to enjoy their family.

Betty enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.

Betty was a tireless worker all her life even to the very end you could not keep her still. She loved her family with out end, and gave all she had to them.

Betty preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Hazel Smith; and brother, Laverne Smith.

Survivors:

Husband: James Cowart of Friendship, Wisconsin

Step-mother: Marion Smith of Zion, IL

Daughter: Janet Arlene (John) Jump of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Daughter: Jennifer Ann (George) Kuersten of Woodstock, IL

Son: James Laverne (Michelle) Cowart of Belvidere, IL

Son: Jeffrey Allen (Lilly) Cowart of Lisle, IL

Daughter: Jodi Lyn Mericle of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Brother: Bud Smith of Friendship, Wisconsin

Brother: Bill (Faye) Smith of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Step-Sister: Lorna (Pat) Sullivan of Zion, IL

17 Grandchildren and many Great-Grandchildren

Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Roseberry's Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.