ETHEL LOUISE BATTERBEE, AGE 91, of Caro, Michigan went to be with her Savior and Lord on July 21, 2023. She was born and raised in the northern Michigan community of Mancelona but as an adult moved to Lowell MI where she lived for nearly 60 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Norman and Viola Troyer, as well as her four siblings, Anna (Dorval) Simpson, Ward Troyer (WWII), Wayne (Sylvia) Troyer and Clyde (Elsie) Troyer, all of Mancelona MI. She is survived by four children, Gwen (Ron) Schmidt of Caro MI, Jerry (Diana) Batterbee of Dorr MI, Jean Precious of Lowell MI, and Bonnie (Chris) Meiste of Lowell MI; nine grandchildren, Lynn Jankowski, Mike Schmidt, Jill Parker, DeAnne Nichols, Shaun Precious, Melissa Lamoreaux, Amy Triggs, Kim Meiste and Zach Meiste; and twenty great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Ethel was a loving stay-at-home mom during the early years of her children, then worked for 27 years at Lowell Engineering (later known as Magma Corp.) in Alto, MI. She always enjoyed a large garden, canning and freezing hundreds of jars of vegetables and fruits each year. She loved to have family visit, cooking, and baking all their favorites, and if they stayed overnight, they could be sure of a big breakfast in the morning! Ethel was an avid reader and her favorite genre was Christian fiction, particularly of the Amish culture, as she later learned was part of her heritage. She loved the Lord and was a member of the Lowell Nazarene Church for over 50 years. In spite of life’s hard knocks, she kept an upbeat perspective, her faith in God being her foundation. She loved Southern Gospel music and the Hymns, a legacy that she shared with her children and grandchildren. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan as well and whether radio or TV, didn’t like to miss a game!
Visitation will be held at Roth-Gerst Chapel 7pm to 9pm, Thursday, July 27, at 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331. A funeral service will be held at the Lowell Nazarene Church, 201 N. Washington, Lowell, MI on Friday July 28, with a visitation at 10 am, and the service to follow at 11 am. Interment will take place the following day with a graveside service at 11am, at Fairview cemetery in Custer Township, near Mancelona MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lowell Nazarene Church.
12 Responses
Our mothers are together now in heaven, a month apart! They were dear friends and sisters-in-law in life and are together again as God’s angels! Our sincere condolences to our cousins and their families! God be with you till we meet again!
A beautiful lady. I’ve known for most of my life. Fly high sweet angel.
Dear cousins, I’m so sorry to hear about Aunt Ethel’s passing. She was such a lovely lady and I have such fond memories of her.
Praying for your family(ies). Love you all.
Pam (Batterbee) Winn
Always family no matter the trying times in life. God bless and may He fill her heart full of happiness and bring not sadness but joy in our family’s life for this is not a goodbye, it is until we see each other again.
Sorry for your loss! But praise she’s now with Jesus! She was a beautiful woman and I remember many times going over to my Grandma Kimball’s and Ethel was there and they enjoyed drinking coffee and talking to one another.
Aunt Ethel was a special lady! Trips to the farm always ment, pancakes with applesauce for breakfast!!!! She always had a smile and a kind word.
Gwen, Jerry, Jean & Bonnie
Your Mom was such a sweet person, she always had a smile on her face whenever I would see her. My parents and I were gratified in knowing our former home was in good hands when you and your Mom moved in.
Prayers to you all
Aunt Ethel was a wonderful example of what a Christian lady should be. In the years after my dad passed away I made the decision to try to go to Lowell and see Aunt Ethel every year. After Covid came along that all made things much more difficult. She was the last of Dad’s sibblings, and it is hard to see that generation gone forever. But I will never forget the sweet times we spend having dinner together when I would travel to Lowell. Rest in peace, Aunt Ethel!
Visiting at the farm is one of my earliest and fondest memories. Aunt Ethel could hunt, can, garden and raise kid who loved the Lord all at the same time. Fried turkey eggs and bacon never tasted so good. I am sorry we have lost her on earth, but rejoice that she is forever in heaven with the rest if the saints.
Loved the story of all men gone hunting for the day & Aunt Ethel, after breakfast clean up, saw big buck in apple orchard. When men returned a big buck hung on the tree & all wondered as Aunt Ethel was fixing dinner. Business as usual… What a wonderful, gracious women. See ya soon Aunt Ethel☝️
Sorry for your loss, dear cousins. She was a special lady. And we’re disappointed that we won’t be able to make it up to the funeral. Dad sends his condolences and we’re praying that you feel His presence at this time.
Ethel was one of my all time favorite residents/people. I absolutely enjoyed the short time we had together. It was the highlight of my day seeing her big smile on her face whenever I was working. She’ll always hold a special place in my heart.