Beth Alison Borton

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 11:00am at Trinity Baptist Church, 2050 Aberdeen St. NE, Grand Rapids. Visitation with the family and viewing will be held Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids from 5:00pm-8:00pm and Friday morning at Trinity Baptist 9:30am-10:30am prior to the service.

Beth was born March 10, 1950, in Toledo, OH to Julian and Betty (Loudenslager) Phillips. She met her husband Don while working at Camp Barakel and they were married in 1970 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Saginaw. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Michigan State University and spent her time primarily as a homemaker caring for her family.

Beth and Don have been members at Trinity Baptist Church for 45 years. Beth served alongside Don for many years on the mission committee frequently inviting the missionaries into their home when they were in town and helping to coordinate fellowship gatherings at church so others could also visit with them while they were here on furlough. Over the years she participated in many Bible studies and faithfully attended prayer meetings. She also served in different children’s ministries at Trinity; she was a regular in the craft department for Vacation Bible School and recently served in AWANA Cubbies where she enjoyed some extra time with her grandchildren.

Beth enjoyed frequently visiting Camp Barakel. She annually attended Labor Day Family Camp, a more than 40 year tradition, along with her family and friends. She and Don also volunteered from time to time in the kitchen and with helping to prepare the grounds by planting flowers in the spring.

Beth delighted in traveling, going to the beach, picking fresh fruits and just being outside. She especially loved flower gardening and her yard reflects her tender care. She was also very good at sending hand-written notes and blessed many people this way.

For the past 10 years she especially treasured her role as Grandma. Her grandkids will remember the many hours she spent reading to them, swinging, playing games, coloring, drinking tea, giving a few sewing lessons and singing to them when she was with them at bedtime.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years Donald Borton; her daughters Megan (Calvin) Bradley and Melissa (Andrew) Wichterman; her sister Pam (Charlie) Ciaramitaro; and her grandchildren Ellie, Maddie, Mercy, Daniel, and Micah; along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions in Beth’s name may be directed to; Trinity Baptist Church, 2050 Aberdeen St. NE, Grand Rapids; Camp Barakel, PO Box 159, Fairview, MI 48621; Battleground Skate House, PO Box 894, Battle Creek, MI 49016; or Slavic Gospel Association, 6151 Commonwealth Dr, Loves Park, IL 61111. Arrangements have been entrusted to Reyers North Valley Chapel, 616-363-7755.