MARY E. ‘BETTY’ DEMEYER

November 27, 1914 September 26, 2011

Our much loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on September 26, 2011, in the home she had lived in for over 50 years, supported by her family and special caregiver, her granddaughter, Anne Gnoza Vorheis. Betty was born one of seven children in Superior, Wisconsin, to Lawrence and Louise Baum. She married her high-school sweetheart Henry ‘Hank’ DeMeyer and embarked on a lifelong love affair complete with their own dance band called “The Stardust Trio”. Betty played beautiful piano-although she never had a formal lesson in her life-, Hank on drums and vocals, and Hank’s brother Joe DeMeyer on saxophone. She often joked how Hank and Joe “tossed a coin to see who would marry me to keep me in the band!” They settled in Richland in 1946 – while originally on their way to CA. Jobs at Hanford were found for Hank and Joe and the trio was booked 6 nights a week on the bandstand. “The Stardust Trio” quickly became very popular in the Tri-Cities playing at Country Clubs and various fraternal clubs for more than 30 years during which time they raised five children, Judy, Mary Lou, Jeff, Steve and Kathy.

Betty was an accomplished seamstress as well as a pianist. She made many of the trio’s outfits; including the stylish bow ties she made for the guys, as well as her own show clothes and her children’s clothing. She was a wonderful homemaker famous for her homemade breads, cinnamon rolls and her special sweet Christmas bread that she gifted to family and friends. Betty never met a stranger and no one ever left her house hungry. Her crossword skills remain unmatched-and Thursday mornings were a favorite for her at Richland Gardens when she could play Bingo with son, Steve.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, her sister, her husband, her oldest daughter and three grandchildren.

She is survived by her brother Jack Baum of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, children Mary Lou Gnoza, Jeff DeMeyer Cathy, Steve DeMeyer Deborah and Kathy DeMeyer Hodge. Ten grandchildren, twenty-one great-grand children, one great great grandchild and many nieces, nephews and friends also survive her. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her name may be made to the The Chaplaincy, Tri-Cities Hospice.

Viewing will be held on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Einan’s Funeral Home in Richland. A graveside service will take place Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 2:00pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens with a reception to follow at the funeral home.