Betty Yeiter, age 101 of Lowell, left us on Saturday, April 5, 2025, after an inspiring lifetime of giving. She is survived by her daughter, Janice; nephew, Bob Roth; niece, Kristine (Doug) Dozeman; nephews, Craig (Mary) Wittenbach, Steve (Barb) Mick, Phillip Mick; niece, Sue (Kevin) Horsley; and hundreds of friends, along with the owners and staff at Maple Ridge Manor. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Don Yeiter; and her son, David Yeiter.
Born February 7, 1924, to Swiss immigrant parents, Betty grew up in Clarksville, MI. Betty graduated from high school at age 16 and earned her teaching certificate from Western Michigan State Teachers College in 1942 at age 17. That fall, she began her 42-year teaching career at a one-room country school south of Alto. She was the sole teacher in the school, yet capably taught grades 1-8 as witnessed by many who attended a 75th reunion in 2019. Soon Betty was hired by Lowell Area schools where she taught grades 3-8 over many years. She retired from Lowell Area Schools in 1984.
While Betty “only wanted to be a teacher”, she remained steadfastly involved in the community. She was a long time member of the Women’s Club, served on the Lowell Area Community Fund Advisory Committee, received the Marsha Wilcox Community Service Award from the Lowell Area Schools, and was named Lowell’s Person of the Year in 2008. Even throughout her nineties, Betty gave generously to many projects that have benefitted the people and community of Lowell. Betty was always proud to be the eldest member at United Methodist of Lowell, which she joined in 1947.
Perhaps Betty’s life and faith are best summed up with her favorite daily prayer, “We thank you, God, for this new day. Help me make it one of friendly words and helpfulness, of happiness and fun. Keep me cheery at my work; honest in whatever I do. Help me think of others and forget myself, I pray. Bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies and our conversation to the nourishment of our souls. This, we ask, in thy precious name. Amen.”
With Betty’s death Lowell loses a true community icon. Betty loved the Lowell community and its caring people. Keep walking Betty.
Visitation will be held from 2-4PM & 6-8PM on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, Michigan 49331. Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Lowell United Methodist Church, 621 E. Main Street, Lowell, Michigan 49331, with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Brad Brillhart officiating. Interment Merriman Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Betty’s honor can be made to Flat River Out Reach Ministries (FROM), 11535 Fulton St. E, Lowell, MI 49331.
3 Responses
The spark of life was bright and clear, for 101 years, in Betty — a dear friend to so many people, and especially to me. I shall miss that her ready reply to “how are you?” which was always (always!) “couldn’t be better!” In her memory, I intend to take on that phrase as a good habit. RIP, Betty. You were a true inspiration in many ways.
Betty was one of my customers when I worked for Huntington Bank. When the book came out, called Unbroken, which my dad’s brother was in, Betty came into the bank and said she went to school with my uncle. He dated her once, then he must of lost her number. It was so cute. She had spunk.
Mrs Yeiter was my 6th grade reading teacher. She also taught my brother Tom and sister Mary Lou. I enjoyed her so much.
Lucinda ( Cindy) Cornell