Eleanor Baty

With a kind and loving heart, Eleanor Baty warmly accepted others at face value. She believed in hard work, yet also recognized the value of enjoying life as well, maintaining an active lifestyle into her early eighties. Eleanor valued her family above everything else in life, and wherever they were gathered was where she wanted to be. Those who knew Eleanor knew that she was a camper through and through, and that she had a rather adventurous side, too. Although life was not always easy for Eleanor, she embraced both the peaks and valleys along her life’s journey. She leaves behind a beautiful history that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those who carry on her timeless legacy.

If one could turn back the hands of time, the year 1917 would look drastically different in America than the life we live today. It was during this year that our nation entered WWI, although President Woodrow Wilson had declared that “America was too proud to fight” after the historical sinking of the Lusitania in 1915. Ballroom dancing was popular as was jazz music, speakeasies, and driving around in the newly affordable Model T. This was a year of great celebration for Howard and Agnes Soper as they welcomed their daughter, Eleanor Rose, on December 2nd. Born in Morley, Michigan, Eleanor lived in Big Rapids, but attended school in Morley. Her father was a Mecosta County Sherriff while her mother was the first female undersheriff.

After graduating from Morley High School, Eleanor followed her more adventurous side that took her to Mackinac Island. She worked as a waitress there and truly enjoyed herself. But it was also as a young woman that Eleanor was introduced to the man who would forever change the course of her life. His name was Max Baty, and they were set up on a blind date by her girlfriend who claimed to have found Eleanor a guy who would love to spend money on her. Intrigued at the prospect, Eleanor went on that first date and many more with the young gentleman. After falling in love, the couple married and moved to Coral where Eleanor settled into her role as the wife of a dairy farmer. Since she was more of a city girl, this lifestyle proved to be quite a culture shock for Eleanor. In as many ways as she could, Eleanor held on to her city ways, even on the farm as much as possible. The couple was blessed with two sons, Bob and Bud, who were two years apart.

In addition to her roles as a housewife and mother, Eleanor worked outside of the home. She worked for a small grocery store in Coral and also became a cook for Coral School. Eleanor was dedicated to her work, even crossing the picket line to get to work since she knew those kids needed to be fed! During those days, she made the meals one day ahead of time just in case the time ever came when she wouldn’t be able to get across that picket line. Her superb cooking skills spilled over into other areas as well. Eleanor spent summers cooking for under privileged children and adults, and she also worked at a hot dog stand at the county fair.

Throughout her life, Eleanor was a woman of many interests. From the first time she and Max went camping, she was hooked and it became one of her most favorite things to do. In fact, Eleanor loved camping so much that she even kept it up for awhile after her beloved husband died. She belonged to the Coral Women’s Club, the bridge club, the traveling seniors, and pool pals who swam at the local community college. Eleanor regularly traveled around the country with the seniors group, and she also enjoyed round dancing with the seniors group. Eleanor treasured the time she spent Bud and his life partner Max, and would stay with them in her favorite spot – their guest cottage at the marina. Boats and fishing were high on her list as well. When she was at home, Eleanor did quite a bit of cooking and canning, and her applesauce was second to none. More than anything – over the last 20 some years, she enjoyed sitting on her deck and having coffee and cookies with all of her neighbors who would stop by.

Although she took pleasure in many things, it was truly the people in her life who mattered most. She was very close to her son, Bob, and while he was serving in Vietnam, she wrote him a letter every day. Bud loved treating his mother to many things that she might not otherwise have been able to experience. Eleanor always looked forward to seeing her cousin Vivian with whom she was close in age. She also had a strong relationship with her mother who had a great sense of humor and was quite the jokester. When Eleanor was blessed with three grandchildren, Greg, RaeAnne, and Jim, she couldn’t have been happier. She was equally thrilled when those three grandchildren blessed her with nine great-grandchildren.

Eleanor Baty was a strong and independent woman who spent much of her life loving others. She lived a long and fulfilling life full of countless moments she treasured with those she held most dear. With a smile that brightened even the darkest of days, Eleanor had that special something that drew others to her and it will be her smile and compassionate spirit that will be dearly missed by so many. She will be warmly remembered.

Ellen Rose Baty died Tuesday morning, September 7, 2010 at Our Place Cares in Greenville, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband, Max Baty; brother, Howard Soper; and sister-in-law, Caroline Nielsen. She is survived by her sons: Bud Baty of Douglas and Bob Baty of Trufant; grandchildren, RaeAnne (Dave) Burke of Greenville, Greg (Ann) Baty of Sheridan, and Jim (Wendy) Baty of Trufant; great-grandchildren, Kayla, Skyler, Dalton, Jerred, Chastity, Hannah, Ella, Alex, and Caris; daughter-in-law, Diane Baty of Wisconsin; and sister-in-law, Shirley Soper of Jackson. Memorial services will be held Friday, September 10, 2010 at 12:00 PM at Heritage United Methodist Church, Howard City, with the Rev. Brad Brillhart officiating. Memorial contributions in Eleanor's honor may be given to Spectrum Health Hospice.