Betty J. Tein

To those she held dear, Betty Tein was a woman devoted to her faith, and to her family. In as much as she gave, she was loved abundantly and cherished in the hearts of many. Betty was a kind, gentle woman who lived with joy and contentment with unending faith, and by her convictions. A blessing in the lives of those she leaves behind, she will be long remembered, and deeply missed.

The story of Betty Joyce began in the home of her grandparents on September 1, 1927 in the Michigan city of Kalamazoo. She was the daughter of William and Marietta (Billings) Schebergen, and the oldest of five children in her family. The year of her birth was marked by a time of prosperity and exciting times in America. From the world of fashion to the world of politics, forces clashed to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions of the day which greatly improved the American way of life.

Life was good in the U.S., yet the onset of the Great Depression cast a shadow of economic hardship for all, and Betty's family was no exception. During these years of her youth, Betty and her family moved frequently in search of work. They eventually settled in the Wayland area where Betty attended the local schools before graduating from Wayland High School with the Class of 1946.

It was while sitting in church one Sunday morning alongside her family when a handsome young man in uniform caught Betty's attention. Bill Tein was home on leave from the Army, and accompanied his family to church that day. Quite taken, Betty even leaned over to her mother and whispered, "I'm going to marry him". That very day, the couple was set-up on a blind date, and not long after on April 11, 1947, Betty married Bill in that very church, Martin Reformed Church.

As newlyweds, Betty and Bill settled in Martin, Michigan where Bill built their forever home. They were blessed with the birth of three children, Paul, Valerie, and Yvonne who added so much to their lives. Betty made a good home for Bill and the kids, and filled it with a loving kindness and devotion that was all her own. Through the years they created many memories as a family that continue to be recalled with fond remembrance. As her children were growing up, Betty delighted in family vacations up north simply to get away, enjoy life, and one another.

Betty raised her family in faith, and taught them by loving example. She was actively involved as a longtime member of her church, and through the years taught a bible study, catechism, and served as president of the Women’s Guild there. She also sang in the church choir. For 22 years, Betty worked at Martin Hardware where she served her community well. She knew how to pinch a penny, and loved coupons. She was part of a coupon club, and even did some rebating which allowed her to acquire all sorts of fun toys and gadgets for her grandchildren over the years. She was also an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers

Known for her delicious cooking and scrumptious desserts, Betty knew how to fill her family's bellies with her wonderful Swiss steak, and her homemade cheesecake and pies were simply the best. When the children were young, they raised chickens. On Saturday evening, Bill would often slaughter one, and prepare it so Betty could roast it for their Sunday meal. Bill also kept a large garden, and with their bounty, Betty would can and freeze vegetables.

Betty was a calm, laid back sort of woman who never required much to make her happy. With those she loved by her side, and with faith as her guide, she had everything she ever needed. Described as a saint, Betty never cursed or said a bad word towards anyone, and was in all ways compassionate and nonjudgmental. Even when life became trying, she lived by the motto, “This too shall pass”. With a nurturing grace, she was slow to anger, and was never mad about anything. Betty truly exemplified the fruits of the spirit as goodness radiated from her heart. Loving thoughts of Betty will continue to brighten the days ahead as she is dearly missed and fondly remembered.

On Saturday, February 28, 2015, Betty J. Tein, age 87 of Martin, precious and loving mother, entered her heavenly home while at the Wings Home in Allegan. Visit with her family on Tuesday from 4-7:00 PM at Life Story Funeral Homes-Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams (685-5881). Her funeral service will be held Wednesday, 11:00 AM at Martin Reformed Church, 1073 W. Allegan, in Martin. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Bill on December 19, 2000; her sister, Lee Zywicki; brother, Bill Schebergen; son-in-law, Jack Witt, Jr.; and nephews, Jeff Kaechele and David Wheeler. She is survived by her son, Paul (Brenda) Tein; her daughters, Valerie (Mike) Petersen and Yvonne (Tom) Hildebrand. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dylan Witt, Alycia (Mark) Lee, Benjamin (Khristel) Hildebrand, Jennifer (Dallas) Bowerman, Kendra (Justin) Gregory, Stacy (Josh) Khodl, and Adam Tein; great-grandchildren, Layne Brooks, Kaleesi Gregory, Kaleb and Oliva Hildebrand, Vanessa and Jenna Bowerman, Mira and Naomi Lee, and Caylen and Emerson Khodl; her sisters, Karen (Wilb) Ringnalda and Judy (Ron) Wheeler; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Please visit Betty’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory and photo of her and sign her online guest book. Memorial donations may be made to Martin Reformed Church, Allegan County Medical Facility, or to Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan.