Bette Jane (Cole) Cantile

Cantile, Bette 2/12/1932 - 2/22/2015 Grand Rapids Bette Jane Cantile (nee Cole) passed from this world into the next, joining God's knitting circle on Sunday Feb. 22, 2015. She was surrounded by her husband and children. Bette grew up in Grand Rapids Mich. on Cooper Ave SE. She attended Ottawa High School and graduated in the Class of 1950. She married Robert Cantile on May 25, 1962 and worked for the Oliver Machinery until the birth of her first child in 1964. The Cantiles had three children: Jann Renee (DeVries), Amy Beth (Carlozo) and William Edward. Bette lived to serve others. She worked as a "lunch lady" at Riverside Elementary School while her kids attended there. Bette and the family also attended Bethel Reformed Church. She served during many banquets and dinners there, and also helped while her husband Bob became a part-time janitor during the lean years of his layoff from Steelcase Inc. Bette and her husband moved to SE Grand Rapids in 1989 and joined Thornapple Community RCA Church. There she continued to serve in various ways. When Bob retired, she became active in the Steelcase Care (Concerned Adults Reaching Effectively) Volunteer Center. There she participated in trips around the country, while serving the community and providing constant support. She also helped her granddaughter Lauren achieve her dream of attending North Park University in Chicago, where she is finishing her junior year. Bette remembered the significant dates and birthdays of many, many family and friends near and far. She sent birthday cards out weekly as well as sympathy and get well cards. On her behalf, the family apologizes for any missed birthdays wishes: She will catch up when she sees you next. She is survived by her husband Robert, her three children and her siblings: Lucille Baer, Ruth Cole, Donald Cole (Isla Cole) and Carolyn Cole, along with numerous nephews and nieces. Bette is also survived by four grandchildren: Lauren Grace DeVries, Cole Edward Kenneth DeVries, Christopher Louis Carlozo, and Genevieve Elizabeth Carlozo Visitation and service will take place Saturday February 28th at Thornapple Community Church, 3260 Thornapple River Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Visitation starts at 12 p.m., with a service at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to support Thornapple Community Church, a place where she worshipped and served.