Bettye Cowger

Bettye Cowger died on January 9, 2011. She was born Bettye Colleen Wagner in Dexter, Missouri on November 4, 1925. Her family moved to Detroit in the 1930s. She met and fell in love with Frank Cowger when she was 15. When the war started, they were separated for a while when Frank joined the Army Air Corps and moved around the country while receiving his training. Bettye finished high school and, at the age of 17, traveled all the way across the United States by train to Lancaster, California to marry her sweetheart. On the way, Bettye was running to catch a moving train and a soldier reached out a hand to pull Bettye onto the train. It sounds like a scene from an old movie and Bettye and Frank's whole life together was a love story fit for Hollywood.  She and Frank married on July 7, 1943 at a simple ceremony with Bettye wearing her 9th grade graduation dress.  After the ceremony Frank asked the minister, ""What do I owe you?"". The minister asked, ""What is she worth to you?"".  Frank told him there isn't enough money in the world, but I will give you all the money I have in my wallet.  That turned out to be $2.00.  Their love storylasted 69 years with a marriage of 67 years.Bettye did her part in World War II by ""keeping the home fires burning"". Frank returned from the war in the Pacific to twin babies. In all, they had 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren with onegreat-great-grandchild on the way.Bettye excelled in everything she chose to do and was a state champion in Michigan in archery, both field and target. She also won many medals and awards in pistol shooting.  She was a wonderful cook and served many meals to their very large family out of her small kitchen.Bettye is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Frank Cowger; their five children, Frank (Beth) Cowger, Jr., Colleen McDowell, Marianne Cowger, Katherine Somers, and Linda (Jim) Matulevicz. She is also survived by sister-in-laws, Betty Dee Durocher and Bonnie Wagner and brother-in-law, Bruce Martindale.Bettye was preceded in death by her parents John Alexander Wagner and Verla Vivian Dalecki. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, John Wagner, Ramona Martindale, and Myers Wagner as well as a infantgreat-grandson, Lucas Bach, and son-in-laws, Terry McDowell and GeorgeSomers.No memorial service is planned at this time. Interment will be at the Mentor Township Cemetery.Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.