Betsy Ann Boyette, 87, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2018, at Holland Hospital.
She was born July 21, 1930, in the farm country outside Kenly, N.C., to James and Ella Boyette, the last of seven children.
She was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings and their spouses, Marie Mitchell (Howard), James Boyette (Glady), Norma Lee Radford (Oscar), Kyle Boyette (Ida), Rudolph Boyette (LaVerne) and Dorothea Craddock (V.T.); and several nephews.
She is survived by her beloved spouse Dianne Wendt; cherished niece Rose Rhodes; special nephew Rick (Sandra) Mileski; and adopted niece Kathy (Bobby) Clayton.
At Dianne’s side and helping Betsy to make her transition was their wonderful niece Lori Ann Pauly and her husband Bernard. Betsy also leaves behind many other extended family members and her treasured cats, Della and Louie.
Last, but far from least, she leaves behind a large family of friends too numerous to mention, who supported her and Dianne throughout the trying times of the last few years, and who shared many, many joyful, happy times with them. You know who you are and you enriched her life tremendously.
Betsy was a free spirit. After attending high school, she joined the Air Force with her cousin, and spent more than three years during the Korean War as a ground to air radio operator in Langley, Va. She then moved to Chicago and attended DeVry Technical Institute as the first female graduate.
She held several jobs over the years but found her passion when she started her own business as an interior decorator in 1985. It was successful, and she loved every minute. She retired at age 72, when she and Dianne moved to Saugatuck Township in 2002.
Betsy and Dianne celebrated more than 43 years of commitment to each other, culminating in their marriage in 2015. They spent many years traveling, establishing their homes, building their business, and generally enjoying their families, their friends, and one another.
It was a good life, curtailed only by her failing health within the last couple of years. Even then, her spirit was indomitable.
There will be a Celebration of Life in late May or early June. Details will be announced in the newspaper.
Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to Unity Church on the Lakeshore or to Wishbone Animal Rescue, both of Douglas.
Special thanks to all of the staff of Holland Hospital who gave such excellent care to Betsy.
Arrangements are being provided by Dykstra Funeral Home-Saugatuck Chapel.
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