BETTY J. CARTER, age 76 of Chesterton, IN, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018. Betty was born in Fairfield, Alabama, on November 21, 1941, to Louis and Helen (nee Markovich) Gabriel. She is survived by her sisters, Patricia J. Ross, Helen L. Gabriel, and Marianne (Richard) Harman; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as grand-nieces and nephews, cousins, and her loyal friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Judith A. Smith, and brothers, Louis Gabriel, Jr. and Mickey Gabriel.

Betty was a graduate of Lew Wallace High School and was employed at U.S. Steel for over 41 years. She worked her way up from the clerical pool to an accounts payable analyst before retiring in 2000. After retiring from the mills, she took a position with Kramer & Leonard of Chesterton, in a similar position, where she received “Employee of the Year” award in her first year with the company. Betty, or BJ as her family and friends knew her, was always there to help. Whether you needed something as little as a ride to the doctor or as big as a move to another state, you could count on her being there to lend a hand. She was an excellent dog sitter, and in retirement, she spent her afternoons going from one family dog to another making sure they had food, water, and some outside time. Even though she had a soft spot for all animals, she was a definite cat lover. Betty’s cat, Annie, still misses her daily brushings. BJ was an excellent cook, a good organizer, and loyal friend. She died of complications from a stroke she suffered in 2008.

Family and friends may gather at Pruzin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Service, 2700 Willowcreek Rd., Portage on Saturday, May 5, 2018, for a memorial visitation beginning at 11:00 am. Memorial services will follow promptly at 12 Noon in the Pruzin Brothers Chapel. Memorial gifts in Betty’s name may be made to the Feline Community Network in Hobart, Indiana.