Betty J. Manson

Betty Joyce Manson, age 94, passed away on August 22, 2023 at Lakeview Assisted Living in Battle Creek, MI, surrounded by her family. 

Betty was born to Jewel and Margaret (Petersen) Waters on July 6, 1929; her roots were deep in Battle Creek, where she spent her lifetime. Upon her graduation from WK Kellogg High School in 1947, Betty’s life was consumed with love and family. Her marriage to William Chester Manson on June 20, 1948, spanned 67 years until Bill’s passing in 2015. 

Together, they raised four sons: Michael (Karen) of Burlington, David (Rebecca) of Battle Creek, Bruce (Lynn) of Battle Creek, and Brian (Laurie) of Grand Rapids. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill, two sisters, Glor and Barb, and her eldest son, Mike. She is survived by her sister, Kay, brother, Dick, 3 sons, 8 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. 

Betty was the definition of motherly love, devotion, and grandmotherly warmth. Her joy resided in the happiness of her family. Her home was a haven, where she cared for those she loved. She would spend hours reading cookbooks to find her next perfect recipe. She took great pride in her gardens and loved filling her home with fresh blooms.  The care she showed her gardens mirrored the care she sowed into every aspect of her life. Betty also loved to travel and took joy in fishing trips and treasured vacations with her sisters and husband.

Betty’s love-filled journey lives on as an eternal light woven into our lives. In each shared meal, every embrace, and the beauty of nature, we feel her everlasting presence. 

A graveside service to celebrate Betty’s life will 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 28, 2023 at Fort Custer National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation PO Box 58, Jackson, MI 49204.  Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care.  Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.