Betty Jean Elsie Falkenberg

Betty Jean Elsie Falkenberg (Cole), 81, of Saint Louis, Missouri died peacefully and surrounded by her loved ones on Monday, May 28th, 2018. She will be missed by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many family members and friends whose lives she touched. Betty was born on June 14, 1936, in St. Louis, Missouri, daughter of the late Herbert Cecil Cole of Ballwin, Missouri and Meta Norma Wilkat of Collinsville, Illinois. Betty was a happy child, dancing and singing with her dolls. She enjoyed growing up with her Lithuanian aunts and uncles. Betty participated in choir and Girl Scouts. Betty graduated from Roosevelt High School and married Richard Lee Ellsworth of Decatur, Illinois shortly after graduating. Richard’s enlistment in Air Force brought them to California. Betty returned to Missouri in 1960. She married Henry Falkenberg of St. Louis Missouri in 1963. Betty was the keeper of her family’s history and was extremely proud of her heritage. Over 20 years she amassed a collection of books detailing the lives of her ancestors, children, and grandchildren. While recovering from one of three instances of cancer Betty became a part of the Crochet Ladies STL with whom she met weekly until the end. Betty will be remembered fondly for her fierce love, fighting spirit, sense of humor and dedication to her family. These memories are what will sustain her family and will always remain in their hearts. Betty is survived by her brother William Cover of Edwardsville, Illinois. Betty is the mother of Kay Mellonius (Falkenberg) and her husband Eric, Anton Raymond Falkenberg and his wife Rose, Linda Simons (Falkenberg), Rebbecca Lyn Lamb (Ellsworth)and husband Barry Mayer, Richard Lee Ellsworth Jr. and his wife Linda, Christina Helena Claussen (Falkenberg) and Henry Steven Falkenberg and his partner Linda Schwieger. She was preceded by her husband, Henry and her daughter Ann Marie Jones (Ellsworth) married to Allen. Betty leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grand Children: Tiffany (Federico) Uribe, Sarah (Kenny) Gretz, Tanya (Gary) Keeton, Michele (Daniel) Quinn, Adam Falkenberg, John Falkenberg, Jason Lamb, Amber Lamb, Jason (Amanda) Mayer, Dawn (Erik) Schuhwerk, Ryan (Erica) Mayer, Robb (Ambar) Dilallo, Ricky (Lindsey) Ellsworth, David (Jenny) Ellsworth, Cynthia CrismonMeyers(Mike), Regina (Donald) Sullivan, Melinda (Michael) McMeans, and Kenneth Daugherty, Chester Mellonius,Ralph Mellonius, Steven Falkenberg, Justin Grigory Great grandchildren: Connor and Ryan Uribe, Nicolas Keeton, Maddie Quinn, Mara Schuhwerk, Allison and Anna Dilallo; Justin, Julia, Alyssa, and Ava Scofield, Brantley Ellsworth; David Jr, Edward, Anthony, and James Ellsworth; Cody, Dylan, and Caitlin Sullivan; Mae McMeans and Aleah Daugherty; Grimm and Garnet Daugherty, Alex and Sierra Falkenberg, Mia Falkenberg, Maia and Devin Meyers, Autumn, William and Alexandra Mayer, Audrey, Frederick and Lillian Mayer. Viewing for friends and family will be held Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 from 1:00 to 8:00 PM at Jay B. Smith Funeral Home, Maplewood Chapel, 7456 Manchester Dr. St. Louis, Mo 63143

Betty Jean Elsie Falkenberg

June 14, 1936 - May 28, 2018