Betsy Boyette

Betsy Ann Boyette, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2018 at Holland Hospital.

She was born July 21, 1930 in the farm country outside Kenly, North Carolina to James and Ella Boyette, the last of seven children. She was predeceased 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), 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. She also leaves 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 over 3 years during the Korean War as a ground to air radio operator in Langley, VA. She then moved to Chicago, 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, Michigan 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.

A Celebration of Life for Betsy will be 3-7 pm, Sunday, May 20, at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street. 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 by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Saugatuck Chapel.