Bethia (Hutchieson) "Betty" Mccracken

Bethia (Hutchieson) "Betty" McCracken of Richland, MI

Betty, age 86, went home to be with her Lord on September 2, 2018 at her residence with her loving family by her side.

Betty was born in Glasgow, Scotland on May 14, 1932. Coming to the United States at 20 years old, Betty had great courage and strength to build a new life for herself. Within a year or so, she met and married the love of her life, Al McCracken. They settled in Southfield, MI in the house they built and raised a family that would grow over decades to six children, thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She loved life and most of all her beloved Al, husband and partner of 64 years. Being a wife, mother and grandmother brought her great joy and pride, as did her strong connection to her extended family and the many traditions in stories, song and humor from her birthplace and home of Scotland. Betty loved to cook, bake and entertain for any gathering big or small. After years working with the City of Southfield, Betty retired in 1991. Betty and Al spent summers at their beautiful lake home in Northern Michigan and winters in Las Vegas. Betty loved retirement at the family lake house that became the center of McCracken gatherings for over 30 years. She also loved Las Vegas (Bingo particularly) and together with Al, formed a special group of friends to share many great moments and memories. In her last few years as they settled in Richland, MI Betty began the very long goodbye that comes with Alzheimer's. It was her love for Al and his love and care for her that brought her great happiness, comfort and peace each and every day.

Betty is survived by her husband Al; children, Gail Hurn of Hickory Corners, MI, Maureen Eckert of San Luis Obispo, CA, John (Debbie) McCracken of Brighton, MI, Alan McCracken of San Diego, CA, Daniel (Joni) McCracken of Gulliver, MI and Colleen (John) Hackett of Western Springs, IL; thirteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren and her brother, Ian (Bonnie) Hutchieson of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Betty was preceded in death by her parents John and Alice (Mulhern) Hutchieson; sister, Margaret; brother, Alan and son-in-law, Stan Hurn.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Avenue, Augusta, MI with Father Francis Marotti, Celebrant and Deacon Michael Carl, Assisting. Betty's family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until Mass time in the St. Ann Social Hall. Interment will follow at Day Cemetery, Ross Township. Family and friends will return to the Church Social Hall for a time of fellowship and a luncheon immediately following the committal. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty's honor may be directed to the Hospice of Southwestern Michigan, 222 North Kalamazoo Mall, Suite # 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Betty's family with the arrangements.