Betty Lesman

When reflecting on the joy-filled life of Betty Lesman, it is easy to see her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and her caring heart allowed her to touch the lives of all those around her. Nothing brought Betty greater happiness than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. She was a shining example of kindness and generosity. Forever loved, Betty will be dearly missed by those who knew her best.

The early 1930s are remembered as a time of great struggle for many. The Great Depression was in full swing across the United States, and families worked hard to pull together and find a way to thrive. In 1930, however, there was a ray of light in the darkness for Errett and Sarah (Miller) Morrow of Huntington, Indiana, as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their child. On March 18 of that year, the couple welcomed their daughter, Betty, into the world, and they stepped into their future as a family of three.

Growing up, Betty was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She spent her earliest years in the town of her birth before the Morrow family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she would spend the rest of her childhood. Betty’s father, Errett, worked as a salesman and eventually went on to own the Kozy Coach Dealership while Betty’s mother, Sarah, also helped support the family by working as a seamstress. Both of Betty’s parents instilled in her the importance of taking good care of the things she owned. She enjoyed visiting family in Indiana. Unfortunately, when Betty was 17, the Morrow family suffered a tragedy with the loss of Betty’s father. Betty was devastated, but she always treasured the priceless memories she had of her father and kept him near to her heart for her entire life.

From a young age, Betty observed her mother’s habit of keeping a diary and began writing in one of her own. Throughout her childhood, she attended local schools and formed several close friendships. Betty met one of her very best friends, Jean Kern, at the age of three. The pair became truly lifelong friends, with Jean by her side until the very end. Betty graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. Her diary-keeping habits allowed her to build her secretarial skills and find success in her first job as a clerk at city hall. Betty later worked as a secretary at Lake Center Bible Church. She then seized the opportunity to work at Upjohn Company, where she would eventually go on to become an executive secretary. Betty retired in 1990, leaving behind a fulfilling career.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Betty as she met the man who would quickly become her husband. His name was Floyd Lesman, and the two first met at a dance at the YMCA in downtown Kalamazoo. Floyd had just gotten out of the military, and his dashing good looks immediately caught Betty’s eye. There was an instant connection between them, and the couple soon began dating. The early years of their relationship were filled with dancing, double dates, swimming at Lake Michigan, playing board games and cards, and listening to the radio. Betty fell in love not just with Floyd, but with his large family of eight as well. It didn’t take the two long to realize that they were truly made for each other. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Betty and Floyd were married on May 20, 1951, at Stockbridge Avenue Methodist Church. As an avid writer, she kept notes of every detail of the wedding. The newlyweds soon settled down in their first home to begin growing their family.

All who knew Betty can certainly agree that, of all the things she loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. She and Floyd were overjoyed to welcome their three children, Thomas, Mark, and Jim, into their hearts and home. Betty thrived in her role as a mother, and she strove to teach her children the values of faith and family. It became a tradition to eat meals together and attend church together. Betty was always there for each special moment or achievement. Her sons were her pride and joy, but she endured another terrible loss when Thomas passed away at only 21 years old. Betty leaned on her husband and her faith during this time of grief. Though the family was never the same without Thomas, they learned to hold each other even closer. Later in life, Betty was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could. Betty always considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Betty pursued many hobbies to stay busy. Her favorite way to pass time was with her close group of friends, known as “The Club.” They would often go dancing and get together on holidays, and as each grew their families, their children grew to be close as well. Betty enjoyed baking pies, cakes, and bread to offer to guests at her house. She liked golfing and bowling. Betty was an avid traveler, and throughout her life, she was able to visit Egypt, Turkey, the Netherlands, and Hawaii. She also made several memorable camping trip to Niagara Falls, Ludington, and various locations in Northern Michigan. Betty’s favorite trip was to Israel with several couples and a pastor from her church, Lake Center Bible Church. She was able to see the Holy Land and walk in the footsteps of Jesus, which was truly a sacred experience for her. Betty enjoyed listening to the Gaither Trio and Perry Como. During her time at Brookdale Assisted Living, she grew to be like family to many of her caretakers and nurses. Betty radiated genuine kindness like no other.

As family and friends can surely attest, Betty Lesman truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Betty was a friend to many and beloved by all she met. Her faith formed the unshakeable foundation of all that she did, and her primary focus in life was forming deep and personal relationships with those around her. Though she will be deeply missed, Betty leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Betty Lesman of Portage, age 94, died on July 19, 2024. Betty was born March 18, 1930 in Huntington, Indiana to Errett and Sarah (Miller) Morrow. She is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Lesman; her son, Thomas Lesman; and daughter-in-law, Marey Lesman. Surviving are her sons: Mark (Cindy) Lesman and Jim Lesman; 6 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

Burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 10 AM Thursday, July 25. A reception will follow at Connections Community Church in Schoolcraft.

Celebrate Betty’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Twelve Baskets Food Pantry. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.