Betty J. Berends, 91, May City

A memorial service in memory of Betty J. Berends was held Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City. Pastor Richard Milbrandt officiated.

Honorary pallbearers were Samantha Berends, Charlie Berends, August Berends, William Berends and Julian Berends. Burial was at Harrison Township Cemetery near May City. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Betty Jean Berends, daughter of Petersen “Pete” and Hattie (Eye) Wilson, was born Dec. 7, 1932 in rural Ruthven. She received her early education through the country school system and later graduated from Ruthven High School.

Betty was united in marriage to Alvin “Al” Berends on Sept. 4, 1955, at the Methodist Church parsonage in Ruthven. They began their life together in a mobile home, relocating to their farm near Harris in 1957, where they would spend the bulk of their married life, working the land and surviving nature’s challenges until 1982. One son, Paul Vernon, made their family complete.

Along with taking care of her own family and household, Betty found time to assist others if they should need help with general cleaning or small maintenance projects. She had shared her know-how and expert custodial skills from 1948 until as recently as 2013! Betty and her family were all members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in May City. She and Al had had participated in the Couple’s Club and also gave their time as counselors for the Walther League, both associated with St. John’s. Betty was also a dedicated Sunday school teacher for several years, opening young minds and hearts to the love of God.

When her work was caught up, Betty found beadwork, photography and crocheting to be relaxing pastimes. She also liked to travel, seeing some new sites in some new places. But her most pleasurable time was that spent with family, relatives and dear friends.

Betty passed from this life on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, at the age of 91 years. She now joins loved ones who had gone before: her husband, Al, in 2009; her parents; one brother, Virgil Earl Wilson; her niece, Rhoda Stevenson; and nephew, Larry Dopp.

Keeping her memory close in heart are her son, Paul Berends; Laurie Berends; grandsons: Matthew (Holly) Berends and Nicolaus Berends; great-grandchildren: Samantha, Charlie, August, William and Julian; nieces: Sandra (Stewart) Sherman, of New Braunfels, Texas, and RoJean West (Martin Hamilton), of St. Charles, Mo.; nephew; many beloved great-nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.