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Betty Lou Levene

June 28, 2016
Gull Lake, MI

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Levene, Betty Lou Gull Lake, MI Betty Lou Levene (Elizabeth Louise Brumbaugh), age 95, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday evening, June 28, 2016. She was born on April 4,1921 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Prof, and Mrs. M.M Brumbaugh. Betty was a graduate of Augustana College, where she was a soloist with the choir, violin player in the symphony, homecoming queen and was listed in the "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities." After graduation, Betty studied singing in Hollywood, CA and New York City. She turned down a contract with Paramount Movie Studios in CA after meeting the love of her life David H. Levene. They were united in marriage on Nov. 27, 1943 and sadly he preceded her in death on Dec. 1, 2003. After moving back to Kalamazoo, Ml in the 40's, Betty sang on a daily radio show at WKZO Kalamazoo. She was a soloist with the Kalamazoo Women's Chorale, Yorkville Community Church, First United Methodist in Fort Myers, FL and a guest soloist at several area churches. After retiring to Six Lakes Country Club in 1982 for 6 months a year, she sang in concerts with accordion player Myron Floren (accordion player for The Lawrence Welk Orchestra). Betty Lou was very active at Yorkville Community Church for 70 years. She taught Sunday school for 25 years, had been the Assistance Choir director and member of the Women's Guild. A resident of Gull Lake since 1946, she was a past member of the Ladies of the Lake and served as president for 2 years. As a volunteer, she worked at Borgess hospital and was president of the Borgess Service league. A lifetime tennis enthusiast, Betty played two times a week until age 80. She and her husband also loved sailing and lived on their sailboat for 6 months a year for 7 years. She is survived by her son, Gary (Karen) Levene of Augusta; daughter, Patti (Rich) Ford of Augusta; grandson, Brett (Jamie) Ford of Comstock, granddaughter, Kim (Floy) Latham of Richland and 6 great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister Weesie (JD) Ness of VA; brother-in-law, Wendell Hanson. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Levene; her parents; a sister, Helen Hanson and a brother, Bill Brumbaugh. The Memorial Service to celebrate Betty Lou's life will be held on Saturday, July 9th at 10:00 a.m. at Yorkville Community Church, 11523 East D Avenue, Richland, Ml 49083, with Rev. Shawn L. Raifsnider, Pastor and Rev. Shan Martin, officiating. Family and friends will continue to celebrate Betty Lou's life with a time of fellowship and a luncheon in the Church Fellowship Hall immediately following the Service. Final interment with her beloved husband, David was held in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty Lou's honor may be directed to the Yorkville Community Church Music Ministry or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 Kalamazoo Mall, Suite # 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Betty Lou's family with her arrangements. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Betty Lou may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdlecom