My mother Betty's illness started after 2 surgeries gone wrong in 1992. I was only 8 yrs. old. She was diagnosed in 2002 with severe COPD after seeing many doctors who didn't have a clue & then by accident met the right one while in the hospital & put on oxygen 24/7. Later she was then diagnosed with Inoperable Congestive Heart Faliure because her heart was working so hard for her lungs. My mom lost her very long battle in October 2011. She was only 56 yrs old. My mom was the strongest, bravest & most beautiful women I've known, & through her illness she could always make you laugh & smile. She always fought for what was right, was always for the underdog, was a true spit fire & loved life. She loved her 2 grandchildren & was there to see them born. She's been a wonderful mentor in my life & what gives me my drive in life. I live through & for her & to keep her memory alive.

Betty Ann Branning, age 56, passed away at her home in Tunkhannock Twp., Wyoming County, on Monday afternoon, Oct. 3, 2011 after a long illness. Betty was born in Honesdale on June 8, 1955, the daughter of the late Thelma Mae Beebe Branning.Betty started her schooling in Tunkhannock Area and graduated from Pen Argyl High School in 1972.She worked as a seamstress at the Meshoppen Dress Factory. Betty also worked as a waitress at several local restaurants and was the Restaurant/Bar Manager at Tugs Tavern in Jenningsville, Tombstone Tavern in Lovelton, and Four J's in Laceyville.Betty was very spunky and had a thrive for life especially through her illness. She loved watching programs, such as "All in the Family," "The Waltons," "The Golden Girls," and "Reba." She thoroughly enjoyed talking on the phone and fishing. Betty is survived by her daughter, Teena Gutkowski, and grandsons, John William Gutkowski and Michael Lee Gutkowski all of Tunkhannock. She is preceded in death by her mother, Thelma Mae Branning in June 2011 and brother Lewis Emmitt Branning, Jr. in April 2008.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Lung Association.