Betty Lou Toews

Betty Lou (Bates) Toews, age 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in the morning hours on Sunday, November 24, 2024, in Ithaca, Michigan. Betty was born in Harrison, Michigan, on December 30, 1935, to Herbert and Frieda (Wallace) Bates. She received her formal education in Harrison and then moved south to Gratiot County with her family in her later teen years. Upon the confession of her faith in Jesus Christ, she was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on December 28, 1952, by Minister Vernon Nightengale at the Newark Congregation near Ithaca, Michigan. Her faith remained precious to her throughout her life, and we are comforted knowing she was received into glory by her Savior.

Betty was joined in marriage to Robert D. Toews on February 24, 1956, at the Newark Mennonite Church. To this union were born one son, Daniel, and one daughter, Debra. Robert and Betty and their children moved to Lake Providence, LA, Barron, WI, and then on to Murray, KY, spending a few years at each location. Later they returned back home to Gratiot County, Michigan where they spent their retirement years.

Betty was known for her quiet gentle nature. She loved to fill her days with the many duties and tasks that come with being a homemaker. She was known also for exceptional baking skills. The home was often filled with the delicious smell of her homemade bread and pies. Betty worked at the Dutch Essenhaus in Murray, Kentucky, as well as the Middleton Diner, in Middleton, Michigan, where folks were able to enjoy her baked goods. The children recall that Mom loved to sing. While riding together as a family in the car, they would pass the miles by singing gospel songs. As Betty’s health declined the last few years, she endured in her quiet gentle way. We as a family will always remember her boundless love and care for us, and we will miss her deeply.

Betty is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert; children, Dan (Prudy) Toews of Palmersville, TN, Deb Johnson of Ithaca, Michigan; six grandchildren, Ryan Toews, Wesley Johnson, Heather Toews, Jethro Johnson, Hilari Griggs, and Chloe Kirby; fourteen great grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren; her brothers, Don (Elvina) Bates, Barron, WS, Robert (Maris) Bates, Harrison, MI; her sisters, Geraldine Brady, Alma, MI, Janet Gorman, London, ON, and Bonnie Briggs, Farwell, MI; brother-in-law, Ted Toews, Bowersville, GA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Richard (Patsy) Bates, her sister, Roberta Toews; several in-laws; and her grandson, Aaron Toews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 10:30 A.M. at the Newark Mennonite Church. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the church. Burial will take place at the Hayes Road Cemetery.