Betty Roberts' Obituary
Betty Roberts, age 98, of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at American House Senior Living Community in Spring Lake, MI. Betty was born June 18, 1926, in Buchanan, MI. The youngest of three children of the late Gladys (Andrews) Jerue and Laurence Jerue, she spent the first 10 years of her life in Ottawa, Kansas, with a multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Moving back to Michigan, Betty attended Benton Harbor High School, where she met her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Roy Roberts. In 1944, she traveled to be with Roy while he was in basic training and they were married August 12, 1944, in Wichita Falls, Texas. After the war, they settled in the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph area where they raised three children and spent the next 77 years with family and friends. Also, Betty was bowler, a runner and a very familiar face at Van’s Pharmacy and Crystal Springs Florist, where she worked for many years.
Betty is survived by her children, Sharon (Joe) Gillette of Whitmore Lake, MI, Michael (Anita) Roberts of Columbia Station, OH, and Christi (Wes) Rice of Spring Lake, MI; 7 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; parents; sister, “Sis” Machemer; and brother, Donald Jerue.
She was very much loved in life for her creativity, personality, and great smile and will be dearly missed.
Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444). To share special memories with the family, please visit www.sytsemafh.com.
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