1932
Betty
2021
Betty F. (Bland) Veenkant
September 6, 1932 — August 30, 2021
Betty F. (Bland) Veenkant, 88, of Richland, Michigan, died peacefully at home with her family at her side on Monday, August 30, 2021.
Betty was born September 6, 1932 in Covington, Virginia, the daughter of Earl Pennington and Evelyn Earl (Carson) Bland. Betty grew up in Kalamazoo and was a 1951 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. Betty was employed one year in a business office and then dedicated her life to caring for her family and her home.
Betty Florence Bland was united in marriage to John Henry Veenkant on February 22, 1952 at Twin Lakes Reformed Church. Surviving is John, her husband of 69 years; two sons and their wives, Gary and Marguerite Veenkant of Richland, Denny and Karen Veenkant of Hickory Corners; one daughter and her husband, Sally and Todd Kenyon of Hickory Corners; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Clyde Bland, Harold Bland and his wife, Bev, Chuck Bland, and a sister, Wanda Mai and her husband John, two nephews and a niece.
Betty kept an orderly household, everything was clean, ironed, properly folded, and stored in its place, including her figurines, our shoes along the wall, and the many photos around the home.
Betty attended all of her children's sporting events, including football, wrestling, baseball, softball, tennis, and baton twirling. Betty enjoyed bowling, but especially looked forward to playing bingo. She was an avid reader and encouraged her children to read. She was very knowledgeable, enjoyed historical fiction and mystery stories, and was happy to help organize the Richland Community Library when it moved to its own home years ago. Betty will be remembered as a loving wife and mother with an amazing commitment to family.
Per Betty's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be held at her home. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care Richland Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Richland Library, 8951 Park Street, Richland, MI 49083. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
Betty was born September 6, 1932 in Covington, Virginia, the daughter of Earl Pennington and Evelyn Earl (Carson) Bland. Betty grew up in Kalamazoo and was a 1951 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. Betty was employed one year in a business office and then dedicated her life to caring for her family and her home.
Betty Florence Bland was united in marriage to John Henry Veenkant on February 22, 1952 at Twin Lakes Reformed Church. Surviving is John, her husband of 69 years; two sons and their wives, Gary and Marguerite Veenkant of Richland, Denny and Karen Veenkant of Hickory Corners; one daughter and her husband, Sally and Todd Kenyon of Hickory Corners; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Clyde Bland, Harold Bland and his wife, Bev, Chuck Bland, and a sister, Wanda Mai and her husband John, two nephews and a niece.
Betty kept an orderly household, everything was clean, ironed, properly folded, and stored in its place, including her figurines, our shoes along the wall, and the many photos around the home.
Betty attended all of her children's sporting events, including football, wrestling, baseball, softball, tennis, and baton twirling. Betty enjoyed bowling, but especially looked forward to playing bingo. She was an avid reader and encouraged her children to read. She was very knowledgeable, enjoyed historical fiction and mystery stories, and was happy to help organize the Richland Community Library when it moved to its own home years ago. Betty will be remembered as a loving wife and mother with an amazing commitment to family.
Per Betty's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be held at her home. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care Richland Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Richland Library, 8951 Park Street, Richland, MI 49083. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
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