Bettie Maria Barrow

Funeral services for Bettie Maria Barrow, 93, of Gladewater, will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 5, 2018 in the Chapel at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater, Texas with Father Mark Dunne presiding. Mrs. Barrow passed away Thursday, March 1, 2018.

Mrs. Barrow was born on May 16, 1924 to Bernardo Ritchie and Yuki Yano in Kobe, Japan. Bettie met her future husband in Japan at the end of World War II and then traveled alone from Japan to America, the first in her family, to be with him, after arriving in California she boarded a train bound for Texas. The trip being long gave her time to be acquainted with many of the travelers aboard the train and she shared her story of love with them, telling them she was going to meet “her Soldier and marry him”. When the train arrived at the station she was the lone figure that disembarked and Norman Barrow was the only person on the platform waiting where he swooped her up in his arms to the thunderous applause, cheers and many a thrown handkerchief from the departing trains remaining occupants. Bettie and Norman married in 1947 and had four beautiful daughters and many years of happiness. The two of them owned and ran one of the largest wholesale bait companies in Texas; her daughters jocularly described her as an avid worm counter.

Bettie and Norman built a wooded path on their property and it was one of her most cherished places and she loved walking the path. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She had a love for books and never met a stranger she didn’t like.

Those left to carry her love and memories are daughters Mary Sculley and husband George of Longview, Judy Whitten and husband Gary, Donna Barrow; son-in-law Phillip Mullins; grandchildren Michael Wilson, Matthew Mullins; great granddaughter Katherine Wilson, as well as numerous other family members and dear friends who will truly miss her always.

Bettie is preceded in death by her parents, husband and daughter Bonnie Mullins.