Betty June (Sprague) "Bootsie" Keubke of Kalamazoo, MI and formerly of Gull Lake (Richland), MI
Betty, age 90, died Saturday evening, December 9, 2017 at Bickford Cottage, Portage, MI.
Betty, the daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Jones) Sprague, was born in Battle Creek, MI on March 20, 1927; was 1945 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and was a lifetime area resident. She was a dental assistant at Dr. Vironda's office in Battle Creek, where she met the love of her life, husband, George. Betty worshipped at Yorkville Community Church; she was a member of the Ladies of The Lake (Gull Lake) and playing bridge with the group was one of her favorite activities; both Betty and George enjoyed all the pleasures afforded lake living and during their younger years they were mainstays at the old Bayview Gardens located at the south end of the lake. During her last few years while living at Bickford Of Portage, she delighted in two things, her Sunday morning visits from Liz and Harry, especially the chocolate chip cookies that she ate with child like delight and going to McDonalds, her favorite restaurant for lunch and sharing a double cheeseburger combo with George.
Betty was united in marriage to George Joseph Keubke in Indiana on February 9, 1946 and he survives. Also surviving are sister's, Helen Keubke of Battle Creek and Jean Johnson of North Carolina; nephews, Cliff (Bea) Bigley of Arizona and Norman (Shirley) Saunders of Florida along with several other nieces and nephews. God did not bless Betty with children although she had a loving relationship for many decades with Liz and Harry Snyder from Richland. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Phyllis, Beatrice and Virginia and her brother-in-law, Bill (William) Keubke.
Her love and kindness for everyone was infectious and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89) on Saturday morning, June 2nd from 10:00 a.m. until 11:20 a.m. to share memories. The Graveside Service to celebrate both Bootsie's and George's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the Yorkville Cemetery, Ross Township, with the Rev. Shan Martin, officiating and the United States Army Honor Guard bestowing military honors for George. Family and friends will continue the life celebration of Betty and George with a time of fellowship and luncheon immediately following the committal service at The Dock at Bayview, 12504 East D Avenue, Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in their honor may be directed to the Bickford Cottage, 4707 W. Milham Road, Portage, MI 49024. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269629-6022) is assisting George and Betty's family..