//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpg//cdn.lifestorynet.com/fh/obituary-default.jpgObituary
Betty Lou Lee, 87, passed away on October 30, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Betty was born on November 28, 1938, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Estel J. and Sadie Ilo (Patnode) Whitt. She worked as a high school teacher and dedicated much of her life to educating, serving, and caring for others.
Betty was an active swimmer at the YMCA and was deeply involved in her church, Kalamazoo Free Methodist Church, where she was a member for at least 70 years. She devoted 20 years to creating and operating the church daycare, known as "The Growing Place," which became an important part of her life and service to the community. A brilliant woman, Betty graduated at the top of her class in both high school and college. She was also an avid reader who especially enjoyed mysteries and historical books. She loved classical music and traditional hymns and treasured the time she spent with her family.
Betty and her beloved husband, Bob, shared a love of traveling. They enjoyed visiting family in Colorado and Alabama, as well as exploring historical sites and national attractions throughout the country. Some of their memorable destinations included the Grand Canyon, national parks, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Estel and Sadie Whitt; her siblings, Mary, Darlene, and Ed; her son, Jonathon Lee; and her grandchildren, Jordan Lee and Jeremiah Lee.
She is survived by her loving husband, Robert "Bob" E. Lee; her children, Jefferson (Joan) Lee, and Rebecca (Jason) Hunt; her grandchildren, Jonathan (Emily) Lee of Michigan, Justin Lee, and Ryan (Karina) Ratliff; and her great-grandchildren, Delanie, Delilah, Maverick, and Juliet.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 10 am to 11 am at the Kalamazoo Free Methodist Church. A funeral service will follow at 11 am, with a luncheon being held at the church after the service. Betty will be laid to rest privately at Fort Custer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made out to the Kalamazoo Free Methodist Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.langelands.com.
Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services (Westside, 3926 South 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009, (269) 343-1508) is honored to care for the Lee family during this time of need.