Grand Rapids, formerly of East Lansing
Betty Jane White (Boughton) passed from this world on Saturday, September 3, 2011. She was a woman of strong, quiet beliefs in God and in the principles reflected in her faith. She was a bright light of pure goodness and love in a world that has too little of both. We know she is in heaven now with her Maker and our father who preceded her in death.
People who knew Betty had a common reaction to her, "She was the most nonjudgmental, loving person I have ever known." She did not wear her religion, nor her goodness on her sleeve, nor did she seek or accept accolades for it. This simply was her. Her genuine, unassuming nature made her that much more rare.
She married our dad, Elmer, in the confusion of the weeks after Pearl Harbor, and he was shortly thereafter shipped out to Northern African and then to Italy, not to return for nearly four years. She was waiting when he came back and they began building their life in Muskegon, then Okemos where they raised their three children. They retired in East Lansing, then moved to a retirement home in Grand Rapids for their final years together.
She had many accomplishments in life. She was a beacon of goodness for all who knew her. She was a loving caring wife to our dad. He loved her back with a depth that few experience. She was the most phenomenal mom and grandparent that any child could have. She cooked like a fine chef, read books out loud to us when we traveled, played games and laughed with us, cared for us in sickness, and gave us love using actions more than words to express her feelings. She gave so much and asked for so little in return. She always helped those in need, inviting them into our home and her loving hospitality.
She leaves behind three grown children and their spouses, Mark White and Shelly Ahmann of Atlanta, GA, daughter Martha (who cared with dedication and love for mom in her declining years) and Mark Campbell of Grand Rapids, and Thomas and Sibyl White (Henderson) of De Witt. Also, six loving grandchildren and six great grand children.
If all people were like Betty the world would be a much better place. She lived a full life marked by forgiveness and understanding of others, unconditional love for those around her, and humor that delighted, nourished and inspired.
She will be missed but we were privileged to have had her in our lives. There is much to be learned from the lives of such people. Please create a light in your life to help replace what the world has lost by her passing.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 10, 2011 in Grand Rapids with the time and place to be announced.
On-line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com
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