Betty J. Barnes

Betty J. (Schwarz) Barnes East Lansing Betty Jane Barnes died May 22, 2010. She was the daughter of Louis and Aubertine (Bessie) Schwarz. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 6, 1920 and grew up on the east side of Detroit. While attending Michigan State College, she met the love of her life, Jack, of rural Branch County. They were married June 27, 1944 and settled in Royal Oak after Jack returned from World War II. Betty was a woman of strong faith and a life-long Lutheran. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Faith Lutheran Church, Detroit. She taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir and enjoyed her church circles and the many wonderful friends she made through her church activities. While at Michigan State University, she was a member of the Lutheran Student Association, which later became University Lutheran Church. She attended many meetings with her husband who was with Michigan Milk Producers Association and enjoyed seeing her many dairy farmer friends all over the country. She and Jack attended MSU football games for over 55 years. Wharton Center was a special place for them, and they also enjoyed travel and bridge. They were blessed with 65 wonderful years before Jack preceded her in death on February 20, 2010. Betty's family meant the world to her. She is survived by son Jim and his wife Diane of East Lansing, her two grandsons; Jeff of Bath Township and Scott of Washington, DC. Son Ronald is deceased. She also leaves behind a host of loving friends whose kindness and compassion over the last five months has been overwhelming. A memorial service will be held at University Lutheran Church on Thursday, May 27 at 11:00a.m. with the Rev. Martin Halom officiating. The Barnes family will receive friends one hour prior at the church. A private graveside service will be held at Waterhouse Cemetery, Kinderhook Township, MI. Memorial Contributions may be made to the MSU's Children's Garden, at the MSU 4-H Foundation, 240 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI 48824-6005or University Lutheran Church, 1020 S. Harrison, East Lansing, MI 48823. On line condolences made be made at gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com