Beverly Jean Sajtar

BEVERLY "BEV" JEAN (ERARD) SAJTAR died peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 15, 2014, surrounded by her loving family. Bev was born on December 23, 1929, to Lee E. and Ione J. (Boyd) Erard in Battle Creek. She was a lifelong Battle Creek resident who thoroughly enjoyed life and helping others; she had a strong faith in God and a great sense of humor.

Bev graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1948 and worked at Godde's Bakery. On January 22, 1949, she married John Louis Sajtar at St. Philip Catholic Church. After raising her family, she worked as a bookkeeper at Arms & Sundries, Twirl Top Cones and D & L Archery.

Bev's husband preceded her in death on October 28, 2004. Surviving are daughters, Martha "Marti" E. (Dan) Ellerby and Ann M. Sajtar, and four sons, John Michael (Vita) Sajtar; Phillip A. (Jeannette) Sajtar; Steven T. (Tammy) Sajtar; and Paul T. (Jill) Sajtar; all of Battle Creek. Bev is also survived by eight grandchildren, Angela (Bill) Payne, John Matthew (Tracy) Sajtar, Kateri (Nathan) Webb, Eric (Rachel) Sajtar, Thomas Sajtar, Christopher (Stephanie) Sajtar, Samantha Sajtar and Steven Louis Sajtar; six great-grandchildren, Owen Payne, Willow Payne, Dominique Sajtar, Kandra Sajtar, Wyatt Webb and Abigail Sajtar; and a brother, Frederick Erard of Battle Creek, and Mary Brininstool, a close family friend. She is preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Robert Erard.

As a charter member of St. Jerome Catholic Church where she remained active until her health slowed her down in 2013, Bev's church activities include: Bingo volunteer for over 10 years; former Women's League president; member of Young At Heart; serving funeral lunches; and helping organize and working on the Strawberry Festival for many years. Bev also served as a Scout den mother and a member of the Leila Hospital and Battle Creek Health System Auxiliaries receiving the Auxiliary's Lifetime Honorary Membership for her volunteerism in the Gift Shop; scheduling volunteers; Nursery Guild; and delivering magazines throughout the hospital. With her husband, Bev hosted and crewed for World Hot Air Balloon events. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, working jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, crossword puzzles, playing cards and was well known for her Christmas cookie recipe.

Friends were received at 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 20, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited that evening at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Francis Marotti at St. Jerome Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2014. Committal and interment followed at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jerome Parish, 229 Collier Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49037, and Bronson Battle Creek Auxiliary (BBCA), 300 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.