Mary Etter

Mary Etter, age 73 of Portage, passed away on Wednesday April 29th, 2020. Mary was born March 24th, 1947 to Winston and Jane Bancroft.

Mary will be remembered by family and friends for her beautiful smile, infectious laugh and bright outlook on life. She was a devoted wife to Charlie Etter for 48 years as the two of them taught their daughters the true meaning of love, marriage and having a great sense of humor. She was compassionate and kind and always made everyone feel welcome in the Etter home. As a mother, she taught her daughters to be strong, speak their minds, stand up for what they believed in, and always follow their dreams.

Mary cared deeply for her students at Davenport University where she worked for over 30 years. She also cared greatly for feeding the hungry through Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes where her daughter has been involved for many years.

Family and friends meant the world to her and she absolutely adored her granddaughters. She tried to get to North Carolina as often as possible to “squeeze them," shop for them, and love on them. She was adored by her granddaughters and they will miss their Nana immensely. Mary was a loyal friend to many and will be missed by all.

Mary is survived by her husband of 48 years Charlie Etter; her children: Jill Etter of Portage and Kristin (Stefan) Hawkins of Charlotte, NC; her brother: Bruce (Linda) Bancroft; and nieces: Cindy Higgins of Lexington, Ky; Liz Bancroft of Richmond, KY; and Kathleen Magsum of Sadieville, KY; and her Mother-In-Law: Carol Etter of Lafayette, IN.

Please visit Mary’s personal web page at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you may archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Davenport University Student Emergency Fund or Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes. Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.