Mary Frances Betts

BETTS, Mary Frances (Miller) Age 69 Of Portage, MI Mary Frances peacefully passed away at Rose Arbor Hospice, with family by her side, on January 26, 2008. Mary Frances was born on February 5, 1938 in Salem, OH, the daughter of Francis and Margharet (Peitz) Miller. The family moved to Kalamazoo when she was a child, and she remained a lifelong resident. She graduated from State High School in Kalamazoo, and attended Western Michigan University. She was blissfully married to Richard A. Betts on June 13, 1959 until his death on November 5, 1987. She was also preceded in death by her parents. For many years, Mary Frances was an active volunteer and board member for Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. She loved being involved with the coordination of many State High class reunions, and she was also a member of The Friends of Historic East Campus. Mary Frances is survived by her daughter Julia (Robert) Connelly of Portage, her son Matthew (Kristine) Betts of Portage, and her five grandchildren, Richie and Betsy Connelly, and Madelyn, Sammy and Annie Betts. Also surviving are her two brothers Arthur (Suzanne) Miller, and Lawrence (Phyllis) Miller, a dear nephew Christopher (Kimbralyn) Miller, cousin Deborah Conley, sister-in-law Ardith (Russell) Lang, and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Mary Frances’ life will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake St. in Kalamazoo, on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at 5:00 p.m., with Msgr. Mike Hazard officiating. Following the service, light refreshments will be served in the parish hall. Please visit Mary Francis’ web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, sign her guestbook or in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Rose Arbor Hospice and Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo 6080 Stadium Drive 375-2900