Betty Ann James, age 87, of Coldwater, Michigan, passed away Saturday, November 21, 2020, at Northern Lakes Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Angola, Indiana.
In 2007, Betty wrote, “If anyone asks how I want to be remembered, please say the following about me: I lived a good life and now I’m ready to be with Jesus, my dear Savior.”
Betty was born on October 10, 1933 in Deadwood, South Dakota. Her parents were Alfred Duke and Alberta “Tina” (David) Winters.
She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University and a Master’s Degree from Michigan State University.
Betty taught 3rd grade at Bronson Elementary School for 26 years, and retired in 1993. Teaching was more than a job to her. She put so much love and dedication into working with the children she taught and she treated each one as though they were part of her family.
She married William R. James on July 26, 1952 in Denver, Colorado.
After retirement Betty and Bill enjoyed spending winters in Tavares, Florida, going on many cruises and vacationing in Hawaii and Mexico.
Betty was a Cub Scout den mother, belonged to the Red Hats and was proud to have been ‘Queen Mum’. She painted, quilted, loved making scrapbooks, gardened, was an incredible cook, enjoyed reading and making porcelain dolls, but she loved most spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband, William R. James of Coldwater, Michigan, sons, Dennis (Cindy) James of Coldwater, Michigan, and William A. (Jeanine) James of Coldwater, Michigan, daughter-in-law, Kayane James of Big Timber, Montana, seven grandchildren, Julie, Kevin, Brian, Nick, Will, Tristan and Braden, and nine great-grandchildren, Aaron, Delaney, Alex, Brooke, Brennen, Chase, Emily, Gibson and Piper. She is also survived by special family friends, Ronald Barkley and his children, Matthew and Elizabeth.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Bruce C. James, and four siblings, Marguerite, George, Alan and James.
Due to the pandemic private services will be held. Rev. Jon Bruney will officiate the service.
Burial will follow at Knauss Cemetery, Kinderhook Township, Michigan.
A public celebration of Betty’s life will be held July 4, 2021.
The family would like to extend special thanks to all of the staff at Northern Lakes Nursing Home in Angola and Heartland Hospice for their love and care of Betty over the last two years.
Memorial donations in her memory may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to Compassion International.
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