Betty Lou Van Werden

Betty Lou Van Werden, age 86, of Kalamazoo, MI went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday September 13, 2016. She was born March 4, 1930 in Grand Rapids, MI a daughter of the late Clayton and Mildred Drake and had lived 84 years in the Kalamazoo area. Betty served as Vice President and Secretary of Van Werden Home Builders, Inc. and worked alongside her husband for over 55 years. Betty was currently a member of Northeastern Baptist Church and prior to that a member of Bethel Baptist Church for 46 years. She was involved in many areas at church including teaching Sunday School, Choir and serving on various committees. Betty had a special compassion for the poor and needy and contributed much to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. She was a loving and devoted wife to her husband of 64 years, a loving and encouraging mother to her sons and a loving and caring grandmother to her grandchildren. She traveled extensively and visited many places inside and outside of the U.S. She spent her last 50 summers with her family at their cottage on Gull Lake. She especially enjoyed spending time talking, laughing and playing games with her grandchildren. On April 4, 1952 Betty married Richard Van Werden who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Paul (Colleen Vieke) Van Werden, David (Dawn) Van Werden; three grandchildren, Danae, Derek and Luke Van Werden; a sister, Patricia Lauer; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Betty's life will be held Thursday September 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Northeastern Baptist Church , 6536 East G. Ave. with Pastor George L. Coon officiating. Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.