I'm Lois Wurster Haywood, a childhood friend of Beth, so my memories go back a long way. My family moved from Georgia to Wyandotte and then to Trenton Michigan in 1942 we lived just a few houses apart. Beth and I became friends when I was in kindergarten and she was in first grade. We had the same wonderful kindergarten experience with Ms. Stocking in a little house the housed the kindergarteners and was situated next to a traditional elementary school in Trenton Mich., a village down river from Detroit. We lived a mile from down town Trenton, a village situated next to the Detroit River. In our neighborhood all the kids played outside together. My sisters Janet and Alma; Beth and her siblings, Ann and Richard; the Reader brothers, Tommy Stone, and so many others.
Beth's dad and my father, Henry Wurster worked together at Wyandotte Chemical. My father was a electrical engineer and the purchasing agent for Wyandotte Chemicals. Dick Kotting was involved at a high level overseeing chemical operations. He worked so hard for the success of the company.
Beth and I played outside together skated together, played kick-the-can together with our neighborhood friends. Nancy Carol Merrihew, Beth Kotting and Lois Haywood were 'best friends forever'. Playing or 'fighting', supporting each other, competing with other, except academically, Beth was always on top in that category. She was our valedictorian for the graduating class of 1956 from Slocum Truax High School. We were the last graduating class from that old school, which has since been demolished.
Beth and Nancy and I lived miles from each other as adults, so there were few chances to experience life together after we married and began to raise our families. None-the-less we were together in spirit for so many years, knowing our roots and appreciating a life long special relationship that began humbly, with loving parents in a small, wholesome, community. I will keep Beth and the memories of our childhood in my heart forever. Those of you who had Beth as a mom, an aunt, or a friend when she was an adult and throughout her adult life were blessed. She was a special, spirit, servant, intellect, and friend. Heartfelt condolences are offered for Beth's family.
God bless you, my friend, and farewell.
Lois Wurster Haywood
