Betty Jean Nicely

Betty Jean Nicely, 92, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully after a long enriching life on Saturday, August 3, 2024.  A devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, Betty was born December 6, 1931, the first born to Eugene and Frances (Sink) Drew in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Betty grew up in a household deeply rooted in faith and church where her parents were actively involved, attending all meetings and events with them. Her childhood was filled with outdoor activities like playing jump rope, and baseball, as her neighborhood friends were all boys. Betty preferred rough and tumble play over traditional activities for girls like playing with paper dolls. Her love for music blossomed through her parents’ influence and began playing the organ at their church. Although she didn’t take formal lessons until later, she quickly developed her skills and became an occasional organist for church services, funerals and weddings. Betty’s high school years were marked by her active involvement in various extracurricular activities and her passion for academics. Always drawn to music, Betty found herself consistently engaged in choir clubs, where her talent and dedication shone through. Her love for singing and music not only enriched her high school experience but also laid the foundation for a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Betty’s love for English and reading was evident in her academic pursuits and personal interests. She cherished the nuances of language and grammar, often placing great emphasis on proper usage and precision. This commitment to linguistic excellence extended to her role as a parent, where she endeavored to instill in her children a similar appreciation for language and communication. Betty also excelled in her typing class which equipped her for her first job out of high school at Whirlpool Corporation.
Betty’s journey into married life started as a whirlwind romance with Roger Nicely of Grand Rapids, Michigan. They met at Whirlpool where Roger provided service, working for IBM. After just a month of dating, Roger proposed and five months later they were married in May 1956.  Betty was lovingly devoted to Roger, married for over 66 years. Her marriage to him was a testament to their shared temperament and values. Betty’s life journey took them through various homes with their growing family in different cities from St. Joseph to South Bend, and eventually settling in Forest Hills. Alongside Roger, she raised four children and instilled in them values of hard work, respect and excellence. Betty maintained a clean and organized home, emphasizing the importance of proper manners and education, much like her own upbringing. She was a hard worker, adaptable to life’s challenges and passed on these qualities to her children. She believed that life wasn’t always fair but what truly mattered was how one responded to its challenges. Her straightforward nature earned her the reputation of “what you see is what you get.” Yet, she cherished the traditions and celebrations that brought her family together, particularly Easter, with its meaningful services and cherished family dinners. With her love for music, Betty made it a priority for her children to excel in piano, emphasizing disciplined practice, even through the summer months. She wanted her children and grandchildren to remember her as someone who always wanted more for her loved ones than herself.
Betty is survived by her 4 children: Craig (Sandi) Nicely, Beth (Jay) Machielse, Janet (Herv) Sherd, and John (Robin) Nicely; 7 grandchildren: Claire Nicely (Dave Wilson), Kyle (Dani) Nicely, Allan and Christopher (Cate) Machielse, Hervey Sherd, and Sam and Jacob Nicely. Also surviving her are brother Victor and 6 great-grandchildren.  Betty was preceded in death by her husband Roger and granddaughter Christa Nicely in 2023, and sister Nancy Schmidtman.
Betty’s love for her family, her dedication to instilling values and commitment, and encouraging them to nurture their God given gifts and talents has left an indelible mark on her loved ones and all those she touched throughout her long and impact filled life. She has left a legacy of dedication to family and values that her children and grandchildren will continue to honor and cherish.
Per her wishes, Betty will be cremated and interred with her husband Roger at a private graveside service at Cascade Township Cemetery.