Betty L. Dudgeon's Obituary
Betty Lou/Betsy (Patterson) Dudgeon was born January 30, 1933 to Orlo and Katherine Patterson in White Cloud, MI. Betty lived most of her life in Muskegon County where she raised six loving children with former husband and lifelong friend, Lee Dudgeon Jr. (Deceased December 2011). Along with being a mother, Betty was a very proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Betty was a pioneer of women in her generation, and an example for generations to follow. She believed in the power of work and there was no job beneath or above her. Her approach to work and life was to make eye contact, greet people with a smile, and treat them with respect. To Betty, work was more than a paycheck; it was her fountain of youth. She loved people and built many friendships that lasted throughout her lifetime. Betty worked until she was 86 years old. Although she was retired, Betty felt her last job was to assist the fine people at the Hillcrest Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. She even had a “Boss Lady” hat to ensure everyone knew her status at the home. Betty’s long and proud working career included positions at the Five and Dime store, numerous medical offices, Roundy’s Distribution Center, Old World Deli, waitressing for many years at Doo Drop Inn, being proud owner of Betsy’s Cottage Inn, and many years at Shoreline Vision where she retired officially in 2020. One job she often spoke about was babysitting for Vonda Kay Van Dyke, who went on to be Miss America of 1965. Betty loved music and dancing and was the belle of the party, with her goal to get as many people as she could out on the dance floor. Certainly, this attitude contributed to the enjoyment experienced at Betsy’s Cottage Inn. As much as Betty loved work, she believed in having fun too. She traveled every chance she got. Some of her travels include: Approx. 19 trips to Hawaii to visit her daughter Kathy, European travels to visit her daughter Karla and family, trips to California and other various locations to see her son David who seemed to live in anywhere there was water, numerous trips to Las Vegas with her son Jeff, and 27 years to vacation with her dear friend Nancy Young at a condominium in Pompano Beach, Florida. She also made various other trips throughout the United States as her children and grandchildren would travel and move. As Betty’s health began to diminish, friends and coworkers from her lifetime continued to visit and support Betty through her many hospitalizations and nursing home stay. The members of her retirement group, affectionately referred to as the “Girls Night Out Club Including Dean”, gave Betty much pleasure throughout her retirement. It was quite a tribute to Betty to see young and older friends go out of their way to make sure she knew she was loved and respected. Betty shared love and enthusiasm for her grandchildren, great grandchild, and for all of those she was close to, as she did with her children. Her mission was to encourage them to be the best versions of themselves. Betty is survived by her children, Kathy Sadler, Kari (Brett) Gardner, Craig Dudgeon, Jeffery Dudgeon (Deceased December 2022), David (Leah) Dudgeon, Karla (Don) Wols; grandchildren, Kalia (Donal) Heidenblad, Samantha Dudgeon, Gavin Thayer, Ivy Dudgeon (Lee Sailors); great-grandson: Ethan Dudgeon; bonus grandchildren,Nina Foley, Natalia Yuen, Carl Dudgeon, Derik and May Blacha, Scott, Jami and Bethani Schuitemen; sisters-in-law, Neoma and Marva Patterson; a host of extended family members with cousins, nieces, and nephews of many generations including the team of Suzanne Baldwin, Linda Elwell, and Leah Lillmars who provided Betty with an on-going sense of family. Betty was preceded in death by her siblings, Don and Dick Patterson, Aliene Gould, and Elaine Baldwin. The family would like to thank past and present dedicated Hillcrest Nursing Facility staff who accepted Betty as part of their family, showing loving care and compassion during her stay. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to St. Mark Lutheran Church or Celebration Church. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 11:00 am at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI, 49444. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral. A celebration of Betty’s life will be held in the spring/summer of 2024 with those who cannot be with us at this time.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?