On Saturday, January 21, 2023, beloved mother, grandmother, and GG, Betty Ann Arlt, 88, of Union City, passed away peacefully at Grand Vista Assisted Living in Coldwater surrounded by loved ones.
Betty was born on July 13, 1934 in Battle Creek, Michigan to George and Hazel (Lawless) Godfrey. She grew up in Ceresco and attended the two-room Ceresco School until eighth grade before graduating from Marshall High School in 1952. On February 16 of her senior year, she married Frederick J. Arlt at the Ceresco Baptist Church and they lived in Marshall for a brief time. The couple then made their family home in Union City and raised their four children on their farm. Betty’s devoted Fred preceded her in death on October 16, 2012. While primarily labeled a homemaker, Betty could be found delivering papers for the Battle Creek Enquirer (13 years), fully engaging in 4-H with her four children to help them with numerous projects from baking and sewing, to developing a love for ceramics which continued more than 40 years.
Betty and Fred enjoyed traveling together over the years. They made special trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Panama, Las Vegas, a three-generational trip to Yellowstone and many other places. Travel included planes, trains, buses and automobiles. These memories made with Fred and family members lasted a lifetime.
To ask any of her grandchildren, they’d have proclaimed their grandma Betty was “Betty Crocker.” She taught them their way around the kitchen. She was a grandmother to many, including her grandkids’ friends. She loved to bake and made her famous cinnamon rolls at Christmas and her prize-winning pie crust a staple for birthday pies for her adult kids. She won the Union City Heritage Days pie contest multiple times through the years. She also made jams, pickles, and breads that she shared with family. Family and friends knew they were loved from all the gifts she gave and the time she spent with them.
Mrs. Arlt is survived by her children; Catherine (Calvin) Lutz of Union City, Daniel Arlt of Union City, Susan (John) Smith of Burlington and Frederick (Mary) Arlt, Jr. of Union City, 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband of 60 years, Betty was also preceded in death by her parents and her sister Nancy Reed.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., at the Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation in Union City. The funeral will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Lighthouse in Union City. Chaplain Kristy Smith will officiate. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Union City.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Humane Society of Branch County, 969 Wildwood Rd #9508, Quincy, MI 49082, or to the Union City Alumni Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 284, Union City, MI 49094.
Please visit ww.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures and videos with the family.
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