Betty Alice Mallicote was born September 2nd, 1933 to Reaford and Esther Mallicote of Kingsport, Tennessee. She was one of ten children, and lived a very happy life in the Kingsport, Tennessee area. She had the nickname "Tennessee Sweetheart", and once you met her, you understood why.

She met Kenneth Barnes, while he was stationed in the Army. They married and had 10 children. In 1969 they moved to Alcester, South Dakota. Kenneth and Betty purchased the local grocery store and changed it's name to the 3B IGA grocery store. All their children grew up working in the store, and gained valuable skills along the way. Betty dubbed the acreage they lived on "Happy Hill", because life was so good for her family there. Once her children were grown, and after 12 years in the grocery business, they sold the IGA store. From there they moved to Elk Point, South Dakota. Betty managed the Sun Motel, and was the unofficial greeter for the city of Elk Point for 20 years. She loved her job and her gifts and talents served her well in this capacity. Betty was a beautiful person with a heart of gold. She was kind and compassionate, and she couldn't stand to see anybody hurt, lonely or scared. She would go the extra mile to help anyone in need, and taught by example, those around her. When a snowstorm kept her guests for more than one night, she would be good friends with everyone by the second day. Naturally she wanted to feed them, as southern hospitality would demand. These guests would be blessed by the treat of sweet, warm cornbread and homemade chili, at no added expense to them. Many of these guests would return year after year, and kept in touch with letters, even after she retired from the motel. She believed that if you treat people with respect and kindness, they would respond to that. Betty was a talented artist, writer and poet. She had a beautiful voice and sang in her church choir all her years growing up. She was a marvelous cook, and loved to entertain for large crowds. She was her happiest when she was having a family gathering. After her retirement she moved to Beresford for 2 years, and finally made her home the last 6 years in Hawarden, Iowa. She loved living in Hawarden, and was granted her wish when God called her home with several children at her bedside.

Betty's children were so very blessed to have shared her life. They are: Don (Elaine) LaMarr, LaCanada, California, Nora Ludwig of Hawarden, David Lamarr Sigman, deceased at the age of 17, Steve (Mary) Sigman of Alcester, South Dakota, Desiree Berg of Knoxville, Tennessee, Kenn (Sandy) Barnes of Alcester, South Dakota, Doyle (Crystal) Barnes of Beresford, South Dakota, Serena (Gary) Anderson, Hawarden, Iowa, Nina (Tony) McNeill of Lansing, Kansas, and Neal (Mary) Barnes, Alcester, South Dakota. She loved and adored her 24 grandchildren, her 30 great grandchildren and her 4 great, great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Kenneth, her son David Lamarr, her parents, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

The family is planning a celebration of Betty's life in the Alcester City Park on June 10th. Her children will be hosting this last party in her honor and would love to see you there.