Elizabeth “Betty” Dowling, age 93, Elizabeth “Betty” Dowling, known as the Silver Fox to some, passed from this life on January 7, 2019. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; infant daughter, Mary Ann; sister and brother-in-law, Lela and George Cik; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Joan Doyle; brother, George; brothers-in-law, Bernie Whitlinger and Leonard Trankina; and sister and brother-in-law, Gil and Toddy Haas. Many are left to remember her with love, including her favorite sons, Mike and Gary and her favorite daughters, Rita, Nancee and Julie. There are several grandchildren who are in the running for favorite grandchild, including in no particular order, Diane, Bryan, Scott, Jamie, Casey, Missy, Ryan, Kelly and Sean. She was blessed with many “in-laws and out-laws” as she referred to them, Joni, Nancy, Terry, Kim, Donnie, Scott, Rebecca, Jennifer, Jenny, Nic, Alex, Don, and Ali. She also had many favorite great-grandchildren, Ashley, Nate, Lincoln, Indie, Irving, Grant, Gavin, Gabby, Garrison, Sara, Erin, AJ, Isabel, Claire, Kalyn, Liam and Tyler. Betty is also survived by two beautiful sisters, Catherine Trankina and Fran Whitlinger; a beautiful sister-in-law, Carol Doyle; and 28 wonderful nieces and nephews. We will continue to discuss which one of us was her “real favorite” for years to come. The family would like to thank the staff at Harmony Hall who were so kind to her and provided her with excellent care. Betty loved walking the pier in Grand Haven and spending a week there each year with her ever-increasing family for more than 40 years. She loved ice cream, chocolate turtles and desserts of all kinds. Betty retired from the City of Kentwood 31 years ago, having worked in the water department and then with Judge Kelley in the District Court. After retirement, she kept active traveling, playing bridge with anyone who would play with her, playing bingo and volunteering at the Red Cross, American Cancer Society, church and the Literacy Council to name a few. Betty had a more active social life than most of her children. A private mass was held by the family. While Betty loved roses, she would prefer the staff that was so good to her at Harmony Hall be able to identify something that would be helpful to them. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Betty’s name to Porter Hills Foundation – Harmony Hall, 4450 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
