The daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Murphy)McDuff, she was born February 18, 1923 in Buffalo, New York. On July 28, 1945 at the Treasure Island Naval Base in San Francisco, California, she married Walter C. "Bud"Cowles who survives.

Primarily a homemaker, Betty had various occupations over the years including retail sales, hospital aide and secretary/receptionist. Her greatest love for 30 years was breeding, raising, grooming and showing cats, her favorite being the Birman breed. She also educated other cat owners in the art of grooming and showing their pet breeds.

Betty moved to Bellaire from Buffalo seven years ago though she had summered in the area for 60 years. She was a life member of the National Birman Fanciers.

Surviving along with her husband are her children, Mark (Pat Zajac)of Howell, Gary (Fran Lobatta)of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Kent (Joan)of Moorestown, New Jersey, and Joy Cowles of Bellaire; sisters, Margaret Applegate of Cleveland, Ohio and Mary Ann (Nick)Juhn of Livonia; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, August 13, 2007 at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Fr. James Gardiner officiating. Interment followed at Lakeview Cemetery, Bellaire.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Winn Feline Foundation, 1805 Atlantic Ave., P.O. Box 1005, Manasquan, NJ 08736-0805 (tax deductible)or to Jim Rogers, Treasurer, National Birman Fanciers, P.O. Box 1830, Stephenville, TX 76402-7830.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.