Betty Minnema

Betty Minnema was a woman who called it like she saw it – either she liked something or she didn’t, and she would let you know either way! Despite her occasionally tough exterior, however, Betty had a heart of gold and was full of fun. She had a great sense of humor, and made friends everywhere she went. Betty’s spunkiness, quick wit, and genuine concern for others will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives she touched; she was deeply loved, and will be deeply missed.

In the United States, the “Roaring Twenties” were a time of economic prosperity and changing social values, including new rights for women, the popularization of radio, and increasing consumerism. Betty was born in the middle of this exciting decade, on September 23, 1924, and shared her birth year with the first round-the-world flight, the first winter Olympics, and the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

Betty was adopted when quite young, and raised as an only child by loving parents William and Wilma (Stoof) DeYoung. Hardworking and outgoing, by the age of sixteen Betty was already working as a waitress at Cherry Inn and the Women’s City Club. After graduating from Rogers High School, Betty started working as a waitress full-time.

Betty met the man who would be the love of her life, Harold J. “Bud” Minnema, at a factory where they both worked. Betty and Bud hit it off right away, and it wasn’t long before wedding bells rang out. The happy couple was married on July 19, 1943, beginning a loving and committed relationship that would endure for more than forty years.

As the years went by, Betty and Bud were blessed with three children, whom they named Sharon, Harold Jr., and Diana (sadly, Harold passed away when he was very young). Betty was quite busy, as she continued waitressing in addition to running the household and raising her children. When it came to discipline she was a softie, and although she sometimes threatened her children with punishment, she rarely had the heart to follow through. In general, Betty refrained from interfering too much with her children’s lives, instead trusting them to make wise decisions on their own. Each Sunday was a time for family gathering, and Betty often cooked a delicious roast for everyone to enjoy. For vacations, Betty and her family usually headed to Wisconsin to visit relatives.

Betty and Bud loved socializing with friends, and were always up for cold beer and good conversation. She also enjoyed playing pool, playing cards, and going to fish fry’s. Betty had a particular fondness for Bingo, and would even go to Canada for a few days with her daughter to play.

After waitressing for years, Betty finally went on to own her first business: an ice cream and homemade donut shop in the Miracle Mart on Plainfield. Later, after the family moved to Comstock Park, Betty went to work as a waitress at Louie’s. She convinced the owner to open for breakfast, and they did a brisk business. Finally, Betty started her own restaurant, which she called Betty’s BBQ. Open 24 hours a day, everything they served was made from scratch. Although everything on the menu was delicious, they were best known for their breakfasts, chicken dinners, and burritos. Betty enjoyed chatting with the customers, and had an impressive memory for everyone’s favorite dishes. The BBQ was very much a family business, and over the years all the kids and grandkids spent some time working in the restaurant. Betty operated the business for ten years, at which point it was taken over by her daughter and son-in-law.

Sadly, in the 1980s Bud began to develop health problems, and passed away in 1986. Shortly thereafter, Betty left her home to move in with her daughter, Diana. Betty was generally willing to help with the grandchildren, and by the time great-grandchildren came along, she was always willing! She loved having boys to dote on, and made sure that none of the great-grandkids ever had to go to daycare. When she needed to get somebody’s attention, Betty usually hollered in Dutch, and often got tongue-twisted” when calling out for her granddaughters. She was like a “walking T.V. guide,” often watching the Price is Right, and friends and family knew better than to interrupt her viewing schedule!

In the past few years, Betty has needed some additional care, and lived either with her daughter Sharon or at the Sanctuary of St. Mary’s. Kindhearted and thoughtful to the last, Betty was very grateful to her helpers at the nursing home, and always concerned about their wellbeing.

Spunky and opinionated, humorous and kind hearted, Betty was a devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her many friends and family members.

Mrs. Betty Jane Minnema died on July 22, 2013, at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold "Bud" Minnema; and by their infant son, Harold "Buddy" Minnema. Betty’s family includes her daughters, Sharon (Bob) Prentice and Diana Jackson; her grandchildren, Sheila Balczak, Sharon (Chris) Roys, Shelly Streeter, Mike Prentice, Stacie (Byron) Lewis and April Prentice; 14 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A service to remember and celebrate Betty’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 26, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, where friends can meet her family on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. For those who wish, memorial contributions to either Sanctuary of St. Mary's or Hospice of Michigan are appreciated. Please visit Betty’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about her life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.