Betty Jane (Rundle) Hagerty passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 23, 2020. She was born June 5, 1923 in Marshall, MI to Ellery and Myra (Wetmore) Rundle. After her birth at her Grandma Wetmore's home at “The Flats,” (now the National House Inn), she went home to her parent's farm on North River Road near Marengo.
Betty shared wonderful stories of growing up on the farm with her parents and sister Ione (Fox). She would often share her experiences of living during the depression which shaped her greatly. Betty walked 1/2 mile down the road to the South Brick School where she completed her "Beginners" through grade eight schooling by age twelve. Thinking she was too young to enter high school, her parents kept her home two years until she went to Albion High. She was active on Student Council, served as President of the Honor Society and was Salutatorian of her class.
Betty's first date with Donald Hagerty was their Albion High Senior Dinner Dance. They were married just over a year later on September 26, 1942. Don died from cancer at age 43. Betty often remarked that their marriage was far too short. Left with five sons to raise, Betty found employment with Sears, Roebuck and Co. She retired from Sears as a head cashier. Betty enjoyed her second career at Darling & Daughter Variety Store in downtown Marshall. She became a familiar face to regular shoppers and a confidante to the many teen-aged employees with whom she worked.
Betty was always available for lively conversation, especially if it involved politics or her beloved Detroit Tigers. She fondly recalled as a young girl following the Tigers in the newspaper and walking to her neighbor's (because they had a radio) to listen to Ty Tyson and Harry Heilmann announce the Tiger games. She remembered being disappointed when they lost the 1934 series to the Cardinals. She liked to claim that she was the Tigers' oldest fan and proudly recited the names of the 1934 infield to anyone who would listen.
Betty was preceded in death by her sister, Ione (Rundle) Fox in 1992, her husband Donald Orrie Hagerty on April 6, 1966, and a grandson, Joseph Hagerty. She will be missed by sons Phillip (Melissa) Hagerty of Marshall, MI; David (Dawn) Hagerty of Rockport, Texas; Roger (June) Hagerty of Gales Ferry, Connecticut; Stephen (Kathryn) Hagerty of Battle Creek, MI and Andrew (Donna) Hagerty of Kalamazoo, MI. Betty leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren (with #24 on the way).
Betty was very proud of her family. She received a United States Navy commendation for the enlistment of her five sons and two grandchildren. She was much loved and will be greatly missed.
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