On Sunday, June 16th, 2024, Bettina J. (Thomas) Hall died unexpectedly, and her family is devastated. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Thomas and Betty (Mikesell) Thomas; brother, J. Mikesell (Mike) Thomas; grandson, Ronald Steven Hall. Tina is survived by her husband, Ronald Hall; children, Rebecca Hall, Steven Hall, Wendy (Burton) Hall; nephew, John Edward Thomas; along with grandchildren, Joshua Hall, Jalen Burton and Lauren Burton.
Tina graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and Albion College (BA in Education) and taught at Trenton Public Schools and then Crestwood Middle School (Kentwood) for twenty-eight years. During her career, she especially loved working with special needs students in her home economics and physical education classes and coaching volleyball.
Tina was a selfless giver of her time to her family, students, numerous friends, organizations (Special Olympics, Hospice of Port St. Lucie, Humane Society, Onekama Garden Club), and most importantly, her husband Ron. During their almost fifty years together they loved spending time on the golf course and most importantly, Lake Michigan, in Onekama. It was their happy place that they gladly shared with their friends and family for thirty-six years. They also loved their time in Port St. Lucie, Florida during the winter months and traveling to Europe and Mexico. They attended numerous PGA and LPGA events all over the country.
Tina was a prolific hobbyist with numerous projects that delighted her friends and family. She was always working on sewing, stained glass, painting, interior decorating and party planning. She loved gardening, landscaping, baking, and spending time with her beloved cats. There was not an idle moment during the day for her, she was always working on the next project.
Private services were held by the family.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to:
Special Olympics Michigan: https://www.somi.org/waystogive
Treasure Coast Hospice (Port St. Lucie): https://www.treasurehealth.org/
Humane Society of West Michigan: https://www.hswestmi.org/give.html
11 Responses
While I did not know Bettina, Ron was my History teacher for three classes in high school. Just want to express my sympathies to him and the family. I have fond memories of Ron’s classes, and I truly feel for you all.
I was just thinking of her the other day. She was my 8th grade home economics teacher. I remember Miss Thomas (at the time) invited our whole class to her home in EGR for a swim party. She was the best and most fondly remembered teacher.
Tina was a great friend and mentor at Crestwood Middle School. She was very student driven, always looking out for their needs and supporting them. She was loved by her students and the staff. Her laugh and compassionate nature drew people to her. She is missed.
Miss Thomas – before she was Mrs. Hall was
my favorite teacher at Crestwood! So kind and welcoming to a new kid like me at the school. We also have a place in Onekama and enjoyed seeing her around town from time to time. Miss seeing the “Hall St” sign at their place. Lifting prayers for the family.
I was fortunate enough to spend time in the classrooms of both Mrs. and Mr. Hall on my path through Kentwood Public Schools during the 80’s. Both were amazing and enduring experiences that have stuck with me to this day. Only now did I realize their connection to one another and it all makes sense. These are good people who gave so much to so many. Mr. Hall, I am saddened by your loss, your family’s loss, and the world’s loss. Peace and love, sir.
I got the opportunity to be in the classroom of both Mrs, & Mr. Hall, both phenomenal teachers who cared about their students. I am so sorry for your loss as well as your families loss .
Tina was a dear friend when we taught together at Crestwood. We had so many good times. She helped with Don’s and my wedding reception. It is so sad that we hadn’t seen each other in years.
I so loved and admired Bettina from the day we met in 1971. When I married her brother, Mike, my life was so enriched by our “sisterhood”. There was nothing she did that was less than perfection, always with integrity, high energy and a generous heart. The joy she brought to my life and so many others was boundless. She was so loved by her family, friends and students. She made every day feel like a holiday – and on those holidays like Birthdays 🎂, Halloween 🎃 , Thanksgiving 🦃, Christmas 🎄, Valentines 💌, Easter 🐣, and ☘️🇺🇸🧨🧺 – she truly shined and made special. She lived each day to the fullest leading and supporting those around her – making a difference which is something in which she excelled. I am vary saddened by her passing. I love you Tina. We all love and thank you……
Hey Coach, we are thinking of you at this tough time. So many great memories. All the best.
Bill and I have lovely memories of Tina. Ron and Tina were one of the first couples we met after moving to Onekama 20 years ago. Tina was so helpful, talented and positive. As a leader and committee member she had a wonderful talent of listening and was always kind. We are happy to have met her.
You were a wonderful teacher and so kind to all of us. I will make a special batch of snickerdoodles in her honor.