Betty Joyce McMullen, 78, of Manistee, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on October 10, 2016. She fought a courageous battle against cancer with the love and support of her family. Betty was born February 3, 1938 in Manistee.

She is survived by her devoted husband, William; her loving children Therese (Charles) Bekken of Grandville, Jean (Kevin) Stephens of Traverse City, John (Julie) McMullen of Kalamazoo, and Mark (Jami) McMullen of Zeeland; her grandchildren, Michael Bekken, Tyler, Kaila, and Nathan Stephens, Sarah and Ryan McMullen, and Elijah Almond and Noah Hambright; her brothers, Marshall Bahr and Larry (Lois) Bahr; and sister-in-law Linda (Melvin) Kruse, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Marshall and Mary (Abel) Bahr; her brother, Billy Bahr; her sister, Angeline (Bahr) Lagerquist; her mother-in-law, Eleanore Wresinski; her step-father-in-law, Alex Wresinski; her sister-in-law, Janet (Hansen) Bahr; and special nieces, Melissa (Kruse) Fralic and Maureen Bahr.

Betty earned an associate's degree at Lyons Township Community College in Chicago after graduating from Onekama High School in 1956. She worked as a teletypist at Sears Department Store in downtown Manistee and as a paraprofessional in Manistee Public Schools, first at the junior high level and then later in the elementary grades until she retired.

Betty was a compassionate, generous, and hard working lady. Nothing gave her more joy than spending time with cherished family and friends. Her home was a constant hub of social activity. She enjoyed cooking and always prepared an abundance of food for family functions and meals. If you stopped by unannounced, there was always a plate of food ready for you. Quilting, puzzle books, and singing in the church choir were also Betty's passions. She looked forward to attending her husband's 79th Engineering Battalion Reunions that were held in various cities around the country each year. She followed her sons' participation in high school and college sports, as well as her grandchildren's activities.

Betty leaves an indelible imprint in our lives and memories. Though she is no longer by our side, she remains forever in our hearts.

Mass of Christian Funerals will be celebrated on Saturday, October 15 at 1:30 p.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church with Father Reuben Munoz celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery immediately following the church service.

Relatives and friends will pray the Evening Vigil Service on Friday evening, October 14, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. at the Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee, where friends may begin calling on Friday after 6:00 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday afternoon one hour prior to the funeral mass.
A luncheon at St. Joseph Parish Center in Manistee will take place after the internment.

If desired, memorial contributions in Betty's name may be directed to St. Joseph's Church of Onekama and Munson Hospice.

The Herbert's Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.