Elizabeth M. Anthony-Hughes

In the early hours of Saturday, Dec. 7, Elizabeth ( Betty) quietly, unexpectedly slipped away from us to be with the Angels. Born April 2, 1924 to Henry and Katie ( Klimp) Eshuis, Betty grew up on Edgemoor Avenue. She attended Kalamazoo Christian High School, graduating in 1942, and went on to earn a teaching degree from Western Michigan University, the first in her family to attend college. She taught for several years in the Galesburg-Augusta schools as an early Elementary teacher with a specialty in music and art. On November 8, 1950, she married William C. Anthony ( formerly of Kings Mountain, NC) and began to raise a family to whom she was devoted. Residing on Frederick Ave in Kalamazoo, she continued to substitute teach occasionally in the early years there. While raising three children with her husband, Bill, Betty found time to enjoy many of her creative pursuits. She was an accomplished pianist, played the organ, and sang in the First Presbyterian church choir. The home on Frederick Ave was always filled with music. Among her other artistic talents, Betty enjoyed making pottery and even had a potters wheel and kiln in the basement of her home. Saturday mornings could often find her at the KIA throwing clay. She drew, painted, and dabbled in weaving. After Bill's retirement from the Upjohn Co., the couple moved to Green Valley, AZ where she enjoyed gardening, and soon joined the First Presbyterian church choir. Bill took up jewelry making and the couple joined a square dancing group. Sadly, Bill passed away in 1991, but Betty found love and companionship again marrying Stuart Hughes ( formerly of Kalamazoo) in 1992 and deciding to remain in Green Valley with him. Betty and Stuart enjoyed many good years together until his passing in 2010. Preceding her in death are her parents; infant, Margaret Anne and her two husbands. She is survived by her three children : Susan B. Anthony of Richland, MI, Dr. Patricia K. Anthony of Tucson, AZ and William C. Anthony ll of Michigan City, IN. Also surviving are Daughter in Law, Kathleen Anthony, grandson James Patrick also of Michigan City and loving brother, John A. Eshuis of Richland, MI. All of whom will miss her so dearly. A funeral service to celebrate Betty's life will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 12:00 noon in the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89). The Rev. David McShane, Pastor Emeritus of the First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo, will officiate. Betty's family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. to service time and after the service with light refreshments, both at the funeral home on Tuesday. Interment will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Gardens South, next to her beloved husband , Bill. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty's name can be made to the SPCA Humane Society of Kalamazoo and the Music Funds at either First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo or the First Presbyterian Church of Richland. Personal messages and favorite memories of Betty may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com Betty was a beautiful light in this world which she passed to others through her faith and gentle kindness. She will be cherished forever in our hearts.