Betty Jean Clouse (Lara)

Betty was a lifelong Gillette resident, born 2nd out of 12 to Ben and Rose Lara,(Jaramillio). She was surrounded by family in life, and also in death. Her daughter, Raylynn is buried next to her. Her other daughter is also nearby, LaVonn.
Betty followed the previous 2 generations before her, and was employed at the Goings Hotel, along side several of her sisters and an aunt. All of the family would always stop in, we knew there was always someone to visit. 4th of july parades was a gathering spot right in front. When Danny Butler closed the doors on the Bar, the entire family was treated with free drinks all night.
Betty became , the "Matriarch " of the Lara clan. They came to her, and she did absolutely anything she could to help out. She had taken in several children (nieces and nephews) , for she would never allow them to be with non family. She had a love for children, specifically her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Betty was married to her best friend for many years. Together, with their kids and their kids friends, they enjoyed camping in the Big horns, and vacations with her family. She especially loved the holidays she spent with her 11 siblings and parents. They loved getting together, celebrating and playing poker. She was especially close to her sister Dixie and Brother Billy, who tragically died in 1975.
She fought so hard to live, everyone swore she had 9 lives. Her will to live got her thru a heart attack,heart bypass surgery, a resuscitation(x2) on OR table, 2 bouts of lung cancer, a long history of diabetes. On an early Morning in August, she finally gave up the good fight. Her death has left us empty, and we miss her dearly everyday.