Betty Rose Blair nee Thomas 78 of Dupo, IL.,  born March 12, 1948 in East St. Louis, IL., to Mary Geneva (Sanders) and Charles Thomas.

She passed away on May 15, 2026 at Mercy South Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Betty married Larry Blair on May 4, 1974 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Cahokia, IL. Larry was the love of her life and a steadfast partner who spent time with her as often as possible while she was in the nursing home. She couldn't wait to hold his hand while he was with her.

Betty graduated from St. Teresa's Academy in 1966. She worked in the office at the Girl Scout Warehouse in Maryland Heights, MO., before beginning her career with Home Interiors, which later became Celebrating Home; from which she retired.

Her favorite hobby was using her talent for decorating and floral arranging in both her professional and personal life. She made a great many wedding bouquets and floral arrangements over the years. Betty continued to arrange flowers and make wreaths that hung on the walls of her room at the nursing home and were purchased by other patients and employees. Being able to create lovely wreaths gave her pleasure.

Betty was proceeded in death by her parents, Charles and Geneva Thomas, Sister-in-laws; Elaine Thomas, Loetta Blair and Delores Blair. Brother-in-law, Andrew Huelsmann. and an infant niece Mary Rose Thomas.

Surviving are her husband of 52 years, Larry Blair, her brother Bill Thomas of Columbia, IL., her sister Janice Huelsmann of Columbia, IL. Brothers-in-law David Blair of Hillsboro, MO., Gary Blair of Dupo, IL., and many nephews and nieces. She will also be greatly missed by her dear friend Cindy Gorham.

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Braun Family Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 7:00 p.m. with Father Paul Wienhoff officiating. Burial will be held on Friday at 10:00 am at Jefferson Barracks Natl. Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.