Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Lin Jarratt

February 18, 1956 - December 3, 2021
Kalamazoo, MI

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Life Story Visitation

Wednesday, December 8, 2021
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Driving Directions

Life Story Services

Thursday, December 9, 2021
1:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Go Fund Me
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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With unwavering faith and a servant’s heart, Lin Jarratt lived a wholehearted life, rich in family and friends. Lin possessed a natural gift for hospitality which she extended in every facet of her life. She loved to have fun and was well known for her contagious laugh. A true people person, Lin welcomed everyone to her heart. She never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel safe, special, and valued. A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, Lin was loved by many. She will long be remembered and so very missed.

Lin was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 18, 1956 to Glen and Ruby (Lee) Haney. Growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan, during the 60s and 70s, Lin’s early years were rooted in family values. The third of nine children, Lin learned the importance of sharing and getting along from her big family. Her father had various jobs, including County Drain commissioner, while her mother tended to the home and children. Along with her siblings, Ann, Steve, Pat, Barb, Nancy, Vickie, Don, and Dan, Lin enjoyed an active childhood that was built on deep family connections.

While in high school, she worked at the local Dairy Queen and Uncle Ernie’s Pancake House, where her gregarious personality and attention to detail ensured every customer’s good care. As she grew into adulthood and became a mother of three, she worked very hard to support herself and her children. She worked at Denny’s Restaurant for a time, then at Bronson Hospital for many years. She also sold Mary Kay Cosmetics and had a large customer base. Though she desired to earn one of the company’s famous pink Cadillacs, despite coming close several times, she never quite made it.

As a mother, Lin was a laid-back parent. Michael, Kelly, and Keri were the centers of her world, and she was exceptionally proud of them. She supported each of their endeavors and made sure they grew up with everything they needed. Lin consciously made her home the gathering place for her kids’ friends and was a second mom to many of the children who came into her life. Raising her children with a strong sense of faith was very important to Lin. The family attended Haven Reformed Church, where Lin was very involved with the church community.

Traditions were very important to Lin. Whenever her kids had sleepovers with their friends, homemade donuts were always on the breakfast menu. Birthdays included fantastic celebrations, and the family always had nice vacations. Some of their most memorable vacations included trips to Virginia Beach, Mackinac Island, Texas, and out west. Huge family reunions, summers at the lake, and family gatherings ensured many treasured memories that are sure to last her children’s lifetimes. Lin often expressed her love through the foods she made. She was a great cook, and her family especially enjoyed her tarts, butterscotch pie, lasagna, and her ham made with pineapple glaze. Her son Michael works at the University of Notre Dame, where her signature ham glaze recipe has been served at the college for special occasions.

A current member of Living Well Church on Ravine Road, Lin continued to be active with her faith community. Lin eagerly gave of her time and talents to various groups. She embodied the principles of her faith and, in doing so, proved an inspiration to all who were blessed to know her.

Lin’s joy grew beyond measure upon becoming a grandmother. She relished in every moment she shared with her grandchildren and spoiled them with delight. She loved spending holidays with her grandchildren and celebrating by passing on cherished traditions. Lin was always playing games with her grandkids or bringing games with her so wherever they went she was ready to play with them. Watching her grandchildren grow was the greatest joy of her life!.

Without a doubt, it is difficult to imagine life in the absence of Lin’s bright and beautiful presence. May we find comfort in the many treasured memories and in the honor of carrying her legacy of faith and love forward. In each moment that we choose faith, hope, love, and gather with family and friends we celebrate the many ways that Lin gifted our lives. In this way, we keep her spirit alive and inspire others as she so inspired us.

Lin Jarratt died on Friday, December 3, 2021, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. Members of her family include her mother Ruby Haney, children Michael (Jennifer) Trout, Kelly (Andrew) Shores, and Keri (Josh) Campbell; 8 grandchildren, Abigail Trout, Hayden Fulton, Tyler Reeves, Oliver Trout, Amelia Shores, Asher Shores, Kira Campbell, and Ian Campbell; siblings, Ann (Dan) Anderson, Steve (Chris) Haney, Pat (Tom) Millward, Barb (Gordie) DeKoekkoek, Nancy (Tom) Wallace, Vickie (Tim) Rooney, Don (Sharon) Haney, and Dan (Ruth) Haney; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where stories will be shared on Wednesday (Dec. 8) from 5-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Thursday at the same location. A reception will be held at The Living Well Church, 5475 Ravine Rd, Kalamazoo, following the service. Visit Lin’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to Share favorite memories, photos and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to a go fund me page set up by the family https://gofund.me/0d3fabd7

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