BettyEARNSHAWpassed away on Tuesday, November 2, at Haslingden Hall. Wife of the late Allan Earnshaw, Betty leaves her son Wayne and daughter Michelle, son-in-law Peter, daughter-in-law Martina, and her beloved grandchildren Jenni, Thomas, Matthew, Emily, Isaac, Grayson and Maddison, great-granddaughters Daisy and Elsie, along with wider family members including nephews and nieces, her remaining brother and sisters-in-law. Born in Bacup to Richard and Beatrice Darwen, Betty was one of eight and leaves her remaining brother Roy, after very recently losing her brother Kenny and sister Gladys. A lifelong supporter of Rossendale RUFC, she liked nothing more than watching her family play rugby - supporting them from the sidelines. During the early stages of the club her and Allan were instrumental in the fundraising efforts to build the clubhouse. She lived in Rossendale all her life and started her working life at McLeries in Bacup as a machine operator, continuing to work from home as a machinist whilst a young working mother. She helped her husband Allan with several business ventures and worked closely with him when he started Rossendale Sandblasting Limited, and then Neolith Limited, that was based in Whitworth and Bacup. Later on she supported him as he developed Lanes for Drains prior to his death in 1997. She loved planning and hosting family parties and had a wide circle of friends she loved to spend time with. Betty will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all. The funeral is on Monday, November 15 at 11.30am at St Nicholas Church, Newchurch, before interment at Haslingden cemetery. Donations and tributes can be made online to Rossendale Hospice and British Heart Foundation via www.fredhamer.co.uk Funeral director: Dawn Winfield for Fred Hamer Funeral Service, Rawtenstall.
