Lisa Honeysett Hotchkiss

To know Lisa Honeysett Hotchkiss was to admire her solid work ethic, her dedication to her family and friends, and her insatiable zest for life. She loved others so genuinely, always willing to go above and beyond to care for those around her. Nothing brought Lisa greater joy than surrounding herself with her loved ones. A fierce, spirited woman, she faced every obstacle that came her way with unyielding determination, and her servant’s heart allowed her to impact countless lives in such beautiful ways. Forever loved, Lisa will be deeply missed.

The late 1950s were among some of the most exciting years to be alive, especially in the United States. Humanity rose to new heights with space exploration, and rock and roll took the world by storm, breathing new life into the music scene. It was during this influential time that Lisa made her entrance into the world. Born on September 24 of 1958 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she joined the Honeysett family as the youngest of six.

As a girl, Lisa enjoyed a typical childhood of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home alongside her five older siblings, Mike, Mark, Karen, Paul, and Kevin. Lisa was the baby of the family, and when she got picked on, she quickly learned to throw it right back. The siblings would often make spit balls and get into their fair share of mischief. Lisa’s father worked as a sheet mill worker while her mother worked at Upjohn. From her parents, Lisa learned many recipes, including ice box cakes, mini rye bread pizzas, and slush, a mix of alcohol and orange juice.

Growing up, Lisa attended local schools, including St. Joseph Elementary and later Hackett Central High School. She was always described as a very popular and beautiful teenager. Lisa was very active in her high school and was a cheerleader as well. She drove a cute VW bug. Whenever her parents were away, Lisa was known to throw parties.

It wasn’t long before Lisa met the man who would become her husband. His name was John Hotchkiss, and the two first met working at United Van Lines. Lisa and John were married in 1980, and soon, their family began to grow. They were overjoyed to welcome their two daughters, Elizabeth and Shelly, into their hearts and home. Though Lisa’s marriage to John eventually ended in divorce, they split amicably, and both were always grateful for the children they shared. Lisa thrived in her role as a mother, and her girls were her greatest pride and joy. When the girls were older, she would often drop by their work at Costco, just to visit. Lisa was also an amazing aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She valued getting the whole family together and eventually took over planning the family gatherings. Lisa always considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

A pillar of compassion in her community, there was nothing Lisa wouldn’t do for the people she loved. Through her work, she was able to help countless students, and she kept in contact with many of them over the years. Lisa also built strong relationships with several friends through her work. It was more than just a job, it was truly her passion. Lisa earned many accolades through her exemplary work, but she was too modest and humble to talk about them. She was always available to help a loved one, caring for friends and family members in their times of need.

Never one to sit still for long, Lisa had many hobbies that kept her busy in her free time. She often went to the YMCA and enjoyed spending time with the staff and friends she knew there. Lisa was a great cook and baker, and she liked having a nice glass of boxed chardonnay. Sitting in the sun was her happy place, especially if it was on the beach in Florida. Lisa was a voracious reader, and she enjoyed karaoke and riding around on golf carts. She was known to call people “turkeys,” and she wasn’t above throwing a cheesy grin in Costco to get her beef jerky on sale.

As friends and family gather to reflect on the life of Lisa Honeysett Hotchkiss, it is easy to celebrate a woman who loved others so well. She was a constant source of strength, and she was always ready with a listening ear and a piece of advice to offer. A devoted sister, mother, aunt, and friend, Lisa savored each and every moment spent with her loved ones. Her willingness to serve others and her spirit of generosity will not soon be forgotten. Though Lisa is already greatly missed, she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her family and friends will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Thursday, October 30, 2025, 5 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 . A reception will follow in the Life Story Center where food, drink, and stories will be shared.

Celebrate Lisa’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.