Cleora Elizabeth (Snider) Betz, 98 was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 27, 2025. 

Cleora was the eldest of five children born to David and Genevieve (Riley) Snider, on July 13th, 1927, in La Crosse Wisconsin. 

Surviving scarlet fever as a child, she grew up during the Great Depression and WWII.  At 16, Cleora went to work at the La Crosse Rubber Mills.  She met the love of her life, Earl Betz at the Avalon Ballroom where they spent many dates, dancing. Cleora became Mrs. Earl Betz on May 25th, 1948, in a ceremony at her favorite childhood home, located on what was then known as Indian Hill on the north side of La Crosse.  Although she was raised accustomed to city life, Cleora took on the difficult role of a farmer’s wife, moving to Galesville, Wisconsin where she dairy farmed with Earl, raising three children: Dale, Donna and Shalley. 

Earl and Cleora celebrated 44 years of marriage together prior to his death in 1992.  Cleora fondly wrote that, “he was always a gentleman” and she “cherished his love most of all”.    She often received compliments on her pretty and unusual name.  She was famous for her highly desired homemade graham cracker pies at any family gatherings.  She spent her July birthdays going on yearly road trips with her daughters and her sister Esther which always included a picnic and made for fun memories.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, flower gardening, scrapbooking and family genealogy.  In her later years Cleora took pride in making crocheted hats for newborns at local hospitals.  Her family has many beautiful hand crocheted keepsakes from Cleora.  In 2010, at age 83 Cleora wrote, Days Gone By, her life’s story, leaving behind a rich history for family to cherish.  She was active in the Trempealeau County Homemakers and a lifelong member of the Gospel Hall in La Crosse.  Cleora accepted Christ as her personal Savior on February 12, 1999, claiming “Amazing Grace” as one of her favorite hymns.  

Cleora is survived by her daughters, Donna Gallup, Onalaska and Shalley Betz, Holmen; five grandchildren:  Tammy Boswell (Shane) Holmen; Michael Gallup (Hillary) Trempealeau; Jim Gallup III step grandson, Black River Falls; Terrance Betz and Ellis (Leeha Stutlien) Betz, Galesville.  Nine Great Grandchildren:  Ethan and Paige Boswell; Kylee and Taylor Gallup; Chelsea and Tokata Gallup and Karma, Donavon and Ravynne Betz.  Cleora is further survived by her sister, Vera Beach, Indiana and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents and beloved Grandpa Riley, Cleora was preceded in death by  her infant brother, Kermit;  her husband Earl;  her son Dale;  daughter in law, Martha;  former son in law, James Gallup;  her dear sister, Esther Amann;  her brother, Dave Snider;  beloved sister in laws:  Lou Snider,  Rose Larson, Marilyn Betz and brother in laws:  Richard Amann, Lawrence Garavalia,  Rolland Beach and Allen Betz and her personality plus cat,  Pumpkin.  

Cleora will be remembered for her kindness, always being a lady and showing grace and inner strength in times of trial. With the gift of years comes the treasure of knowing that there are many family and friends who have dearly loved you.  The memories and love you made with us will last forever.  Rest in much deserved glory, Mom and Grandma.  You finally made it over that rainbow.  Oh, what a day it must be!   We promise to journey on with you in our hearts, until we meet in glory. 

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and thanks to Agrace Hospice doctors and staff who kindly cared for Cleora in her final months. 

Cleora’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, Wisconsin at 11am with visitation beginning at 10am, one hour prior to service. 

Burial will take place at Green Mound Cemetery.

Condolences may be made to the family at CouleeCremation.com