Bette Barlas Kiser

BETTE BARLAS KISER died on August 10, 2014 in Santa Rosa. She was 94 years old. She was born in Petaluma on September 11, 1919. She is survived by her husband of almost forty years, Michael Kiser, of Healdsburg. Bette was predeceased by her beloved son, Billy, who died eleven years ago. Bette was the last member of her immediate family and was predeceased by her parents, Esther and Max Barlas, and her siblings: Rose Rush, Nettie Marcus, Leon Barlas, Himmie Barlas, and Izzie Barlas. Bette cherished her family, and she especially adored her nieces and nephews: Edie Friedman (Harry), Marshall Barlas (Carole), Shelley Barlas Nagel (Michael), Steven Marcus (Nancy), Lance Barlas (J), Nancy Barlas, and Andi Barlas Simpson. She had special relationships with her great nieces, Michelle Azulay, and Devorah Marcus (Sebastian), her great nephew, Geoff Friedman (Jessica), and her great-great niece, Shira Dotan (Shai). Bette was a loving wife, and she was devoted to Mike's family: Michael Kiser, Jr., Judy and Stan Perry, and to their son, Anthony Sandoval. Bette was reared in Petaluma on a ranch, and graduated from Cinnabar School, Petaluma Jr. High and Petaluma High School, class of 1938. Her family had long and deep roots in Petaluma, and she maintained many relationships from her childhood. She worked at Hewlett Packard for many years when she lived in South San Francisco. During her retirement, while living in Healdsburg, she provided great comfort to others through her practice of healing and massage. She enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino. A beautiful, loving, kind, generous and fun person, Bette consistently maintained an optimistic and positive attitude, despite life's many challenges. Loved and adored by her family and friends, she enriched the many lives she touched, and she will be deeply missed. Donations in Bette's memory may be made to Sutter Care at Home Hospice: 110 N Dutton Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, or B'nai Israel Jewish Center, 740 Western Avenue, Petaluma, CA 94952. Family assisted by PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Petaluma.