BETSY JO ROBAR
May 2, 1952 - November 4, 2006

"Thank you for your beautiful words, Danny. All this time later, they still make me cry."

"How I loved and admired this women. I was proud to be called her friend. She made a difference and I will miss her so much."

"To Betsy's loved ones, My prayers are with each of you. For me she leaves behind a memory of a classy lady with a heart of goodness and a smile that warmed the receiver. I am thankful to have known her. God be with each of you. Bonnie"

"To Know Betsy was to love her energy and love of life. I can say these words from my heart, it was an honor to know and care for Betsy. Her smile and energy will be forever felt by those who loved her and had known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Jen Thompson"

"I work at Grotenhuis and had the pleasure of working with Betsy for several years. She will be greatly missed.... Sincerely, Sara Ortiz"

"My condolences to both her family and extended family at Hetrick. Betsy was awesome with helping my husband and I set up our health insurance needs for our small business 5 years ago. I was saddened to hear of her passing. Linda Mehall - Superior Imaging Specialists, PC"

"We knew Betsy for a such short time. We began working with her less than a year ago. She was such a pleasure to work with. She was very good at what she did. We always enjoyed her phone calls and our business lunches with her. We will miss her dearly."

"The news of Betsy's passing was sad indeed. She was a wonderful person with incomparable spirit. I first got to know her when I was a Door Guard at K-Mart when it first opened in the mid 70s in Marquette. I was a lowly college student working nights and weekends and Betsy was a wonderful source of support, knowledge and humor. After our K-Mart days, we lost track of each other. Many years later my family and I moved back to the area, as I became CEO of Child & Family Services of the U.P. We desired to make some changes in our health insurance and I was advised to call a Betsy Robare at Hetrick and Associates. The last name of course didn't ring a bell to me. But when we met in the lobby, we recognized each other immediately. What a great joy to reunite with my dear friend from years ago! Betsy, of course, had become very successful and I was so happy for her. Being around that wonderful manner and tremendous energy was such fun. Of course, that makes her loss that much tougher. Betsy was one of a kind and I will miss her. As I say a prayer for her family and friends, I know those of us who had the great pleasure of knowing Betsy will never forget her and that beaming smile. I know I never will. Danny"

"I only met Betsy a couple of times, but considered her a good friend. She was delightful to work with and I shall miss her. My prayers go out to her family and friends."

"Miss Betsy Jo was in a class all by herself. Rare is the person so full of energy and life. Betsy listened when I needed advice and helped me make a life altering decision. It was, with her wisdom and savvy, the right one for me. My prayers are with Betsy's entire family during this difficult time."

"Usually I don't even know what to say or how to say it during a time like this, but knowing Betsy makes it easy. Seems like I have known Betsy forever. When she was at Dobson Moving and Storage I worked at Superior Telecom and we provided her service. Even then I knew she was a special somebody, because whenever I took a trouble call from her ... she had a way of making me feel good. I came to cross paths with Betsy many times in the years to follow and I definately believe that she is someone that "leaves footprints in your heart" even if you only just met. She was one of the most "alive" people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and she made you feel great too. She will be missed by many. To her family both at home and at work, I pray for all of you as you move forward. Betsy truly "raised us up to more than we could be"... Hugs, AMY"

"I'll never forget the way Betsy walked through the office. She had that upright, shoulders back swagger,smile and attitude that would always catch my eye. She had what many of us only hope to."

"I enjoyed so much getting to know Betsy in Rotary and in our insurance business with Hetrick & Assoc. She always had a smile and brought lots of energy to our Rotary meetings. We at Great Lakes Center for Youth Development send our condolences to the Robar family and to the team at Hetrick & Associates. Please know we will miss Betsy."

"I have had the great fortune of knowing Betsy since my early teens. Her passing comes as a shock and a tremendous loss for all of us. Betsy was the kind of person we could all learn from. She conducted herself with a sense of class, without being snobby. She was always a tremendous asset to any project she was involved in, and she had a wicked sense of humor. But most of all, she knew how to care about people, and how to love(as witnessed in her marriage to Roaul) If each of us that treasured her as a friend is able to emulate her in even some small way, we will have the joy of having Betsy with us forever. I pray that her family finds peace in the memories of this terrific lady."

"Raoul and family, I share your grief at this loss and wish comfort to your hearts. I met Betsy through business. I came to the U.P. three years ago due to a job promotion. An agent reception was held for me at the Landmark. Who do you think did the official master of ceromony duties and hammed it up royally? Yes, it was Betsy. You can just imagine the hyjinx. When my family and I got back to our home in Kalamazoo after a house hunting trip in Marquette, we were greeted with a "welcome to the U.P." gift package. Who do you think sent it? Again Betsy. She made me and my family feel welcome here in the U.P. It was a wonderful gift from her. She brought a lot of zest to the living of life and that is why we are all going to miss her so much. I wish the hurt could be erased and I pray that God will give His comfort to your hearts. I will say that watching Betsy live life fully and confidently battle the cancer teaches me how precious every day is and how important it is to value the people around you. Each one is a special gift to be treasured."

"Diebold Insurance Agency would like to send our deepest sympathy to all that knew Betsy. We wish everyone strength to get through this trying time and courage to live life to its fullest in honor of Betsy."

"I was so saddened to hear of Betsy's passing. I have known Betsy since I was a child, and held her in high regards. I always looked forward to her visits with my parents - she was so much more fun than most adults! She talked to my brother Jason and I like we were important, which meant so much to us. As I grew older, I valued her advice and admired her love of life. She was one of those people who just made you feel good when you were around. My deepest condolences to Raoul and family."

"GOD BLESS"

"Raoul and Family & All Hetrick Employees, I am so sorry to hear of Betsy's passing. She always had a smile and a "How are you doing Doll?" for me each and every time I saw her. You have my deepest sympathy and I will keep you in my prayers."

"My deepest sympathy to Betsy's family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Betsy on two YMCA balls, and found her to be a very genuine person. She was a great inspiration."

"Anna and I both want to send our condolences and let you know that your family is in our prayers."

"Dear Raoul, So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Bob and Kay Pietro Grand Junction, CO"

"Betsy was my best insurance buddy on the planet! :) I will always treasure the times we spent together and all the fun that we had selling insurance. Betsy, you will be deeply missed, you are sincerely a class act."

"Our deepest sympathies. Betsy adorned the covers of Upper Peninsula Woman many times. Her achievements, talent, and concern for others made her a role model for women around the entire Upper Peninsula. We will miss her. The community has lost a remarkable young woman. Helen McGregor, Editor Upper Peninsula Woman and FIFTYPlus"

"I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Betsy for a long time and she was a great person. She was extremely helpful when we moved from Marquette to Florida with some Health Insurance issues we had and took care of them from 1,600 miles away without a single complaint. What a great loss. Our deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Don & Karen Sarasin"

"OB GYN Associates was privileged to work with Besty and to know her. She was a delight and we will miss her. Our sympathies to her family and friends."

"We send our deepest sympathies to Betsy's family. Betsy stayed at the Ironwood Comfort Inn many times and she was always a friendly and enjoyable guest. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sue Spets, General Manager and Staff of the Ironwood Comfort Inn"

"On behalf of the Beacon House Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers, we would like to express our most heartfelt sympathies to Betsys family and her special Hetrick and Associates family. Beacon House was truly honored to be one of Betsys favorite charities and we will be forever grateful for her generous support. Betsy will be greatly missed by all of her Beacon House friends words simply cannot convey our deep sorrow. To honor her memory, we will commemorate Betsy through our Adopt-A-Day program on November 4th for the next 10 years. This will allow all of us to be reminded of Betsys strong and vivacious spirit in several places in the community; the Beacon House lobby for our families and guests, our display case at Peninsula Medical Center, the Marquette Monthly, and on our website www.upbeaconhouse.org. While our gesture is small in comparison to the amazing and positive impact Betsy had on each life she touched, the funds to adopt Betsys Memorial Day will help her belief and support, for the families that Beacon House serves, to continue. The world has lost a very special soul that radiated such a remarkable zest for life through her wonderful smile, day in and day out, for all of us. Members of the Beacon House Board, Staff and Volunteers"

"What can one say about someone who is always in your life? I don't remember a time without Betsy. She organized my parents 25th anniversary party, came most of my events and when she couldnt be there, she always made sure i knew, that she was there in spirit. How blessed is the person who delights in every little thing? When she threw her head back in that gorgeous laugh, it was bells ringing! I love you gal, and we will meet again in heaven with a good glass of wine! our love to Rauol- the love of her life.xxxooo Kelly and Bryan"

"Dear Raoul, I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy on the death of your wife. I was searching for Martha Kuopus' obituary in the Mining Journal and saw the Betsy Robar obituary. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Melba (Salminen) Simonson."

"Dear Betsy's Family, I had the pleasure of meeting Betsy last year when she quoted our insurance for us. Besty was immediatly likable. She was someone whom you felt was an instant friend. Though I did not know Betsy very well I was very sorry and concerned when I heard of her illness. You have my thoughts and sympathies. I hope the following poem can help give you some relief during this most difficult time. THOUGH HER SMILE IS GONE FOREVER AND HER HAND I CANNOT TOUCH STILL I HAVE SO MANY MEMORIES OF THE ONE I LOVED SO MUCH HER MEMORY IS MY KEEPSAKE WITH WHICH I'LL NEVER PART GOD HAD HER IN HIS KEEPING I HAVE HER IN MY HEART. My deepest sympathies are with you all. Patti De Clark"

"Dear Raoul, I just read of your wife's passing and want to express my deepest sympathy to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

"I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Betsy through the insurance connection. She was a joy to be with, always "on", fun, and full of energy. She lit up the room with her style and passion. Her passing is a huge loss to this community and to everyone who knew her. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family, who she spoke of often, and to her extended Hetrick family."

"We had the privilege of being Betsys neighbor and friend for the past 16 years. We were profoundly saddened to learn of the loss of Betsy and feel blessed to have been touched by her light. Betsy fearlessly loved her family and was a friend to everyone she met. She inspired us with her strong sense of community and the way she selflessly gave her time, talent and treasure. If the value of our time together is determined by how well we lived, then Betsy and Raoul were truly rich. Our deepest sympathy to Raoul, Betsys family, her Hetrick family and friends."

"To Betsy's Family, Butch and I offer you our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Betsy. She was a beautiful woman from the inside out and will always be remembered for her love of life and kindness. Butch and Louise Runstrom"

"I had the Joy of knowing Betsy for many years through my business. She was an inspiration to me and a fun loving person to be around. Her smile and zest for life was always a warm welcome to anyone she came in contact with. We at Profiles will miss her dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family and friends. With Love Anne Erspamer"

"I had the pleasure of working closely with Betsy and Deb regarding our insurance at Hiawatha Log Homes, Betsy was always willing to help as well as Deb and I really felt bad when we had to take another company because of cost. I was shocked to learn of her death. She had such a zest about her. I am sorry for your loss. Laura Anderson"

"My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May your memories slowly bring a smile to your saddened face."

"My deepest sympathies to the family. Betsy was funny, fun, and full of life. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to know her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her."

"I have just been shaken by Betsy's passing. I will remember her enthusiasm for life and her friendly smile. I send my condolences to Raoul, Cindy, and all of her family."

"Just a brief note to express our sympathy in the loss of Betsy. She was a great source of information and assistance for us dealing with our health insurance and what would be covered. She was always available for us when we needed her. She will be greatly missed. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Mike and Mary Disch 18 Blueberry Gwinn, MI"

"I had the pleasure of taking care of Betsy and Raoul many Fri. and Sat. nights in the Cedar Room at the Northwoods Supper Club. Often when I would be through with my shift Colonel Patrick Cullen and myself would join the two for nice chats and top off the evening with a nice glass of wine. Always a joy to wait on and conversation was great. Betsy was wonderful, polite and great to talk to, she always made my night. I am thinking of you and your family Raoul. She was a classy gal. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Jacki Johnson"

"Our thoughts and prays will be with you and Betsy. She will certainly be missed. Bob And Gail Green"

"Geordie, Hi, It's now Monday, I got into Marquette on Saturday-I am so sorry to hear that your sister has died. I am in town because my father passed away-on the day of your sisters funeral. I will be in town until next Saturday. Just wanted to say HI:> and send my regards to your family. xxoo Mary"

"May God's love guide you during this time of sorrow, and may you find solace in His care. God bless you! I will miss her smile and hugs and positive attitude about everything."

"I hope her family finds peace with their memories as time passes. She was a courageous woman."

"My deepest and hearfelt sympathies go out to your family. I only had the chance to meet Betsy a few times while on my semi-annual visits down to Florida for the Sitkins sales training. Each and every time Betsy was sure to make time with me to see how I was doing and how my family was. She was an inspiration and will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers will be with you in this time need and relection. May God speed. Rick French and Family"

"All of us at the Mark V. Williamson Company want to express our condolences to your family during this difficult time. Betsy was a remarkable woman who will be greatly missed."

"This is so sad. I enjoyed my meetings with Betsy when she came to Florida for Sitkens Sales Mastery. She was a very nice caring person. She will be missed. God Bless"

"'Solidarity in Weakness'.....Joy is hidden in compassion. The word compassion literally means 'to suffer with'. It seems quite unlikely that suffering with another person would bring joy. Yet being with a person in pain, offering simple presence to someone in despair, sharing with a friend times of confusion and uncertainty...such experiences can bring us deep joy. Not happiness, not excitement, not great satisfaction, but the quiet joy of being there for someone else and living in deep solidarity with our brothers and sisters in this human family. Often this is solidarity in weakness, in brokenness, in wounded ness, but it leads us to the center of Joy, which is sharing our humanity with others.' With deep compassion, Terry Flood, The Flood Group, LLC"

"I got to know Betsy through her work on her trips to Florida in our Sales Mastery Group. She was always upbeat and such a breath of fresh air to be around!! We lost a good one and we know she is in peace!!"

"Our sympathies go out to you and the family over the loss of Betsy Jo. Our agency is affiliated with the Sitkins group as is Hetrick & Associates and are saddened at the loss of such a dynamic member. Douglas MacDonald Murray & MacDonald Insurance Services"

"Betsy was one fo the finest people I've had the honor of knowing. She'll be missed but her smile will never be forgotten!"

"I met Betsy 3 years ago in the Sitkins Sales Mastery. This past March when our group got together, I remember Betsy being in such a positive, uplifting mood the entire 2 days! She smiled, gave positive feedback to every question and specifically gave me encouragement and positive motivation! She was a pleasure to be around and talk to. She will be missed dearly. My families thoughts and prayers are with Betsy and all her friends and family. Sincerely, Mark"

"Betsy was one of those rare people who not only always had the right thing to say to make someones day, but was willing to do so. She was a good friend, and I will always treasure her friendship. Our agency will remember those who are left behind in our prayers."

"Cindy, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister! Prayers and thoughts are with you and your sister's family. I couldn't find an address for you, and didn't want to send a card to Frei to Max......(I used to work with you in Houghton Econo Foods...last name used to be Huber.) Again, I am so sorry.......please take care. Love, Christa Gardner"