Betty L. Dillman

Betty L. Dillman Battle Creek Betty Louise Baird Dillman, 82, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Friday afternoon, July 20, 2012 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. She was born May 1, 1930 in Battle Creek to Thelma (Ketchum Sinclair) and Willie Baird. Betty lived in Anderson, Indiana as a child. She returned to the area, attended Battle Creek Public Schools, and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1948. She married Albert J. "Red" Dillman at Central Christian Church May 25, 1949. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1999. Betty worked at Ralston Purina Company as receptionist and PBX telephone operator retiring in 1994. For 39 years she was the first voice people would hear when calling the Battle Creek plant. Betty enjoyed her grandchildren, gardening, playing bridge and cribbage, Fox News, the Detroit Tigers, discussing politics, and watching the birds and deer that gathered in her backyard. She had many pets during her life but especially loved her dog, Jake, and her cat, "JJ". Betty is survived by her children: David E. (Joan) Dillman of Battle Creek, Michael B. (Michelle) Dillman of Chandler, AZ, and Tracy M. (David) Walsh of Ariton, AL; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brother, Robert Baird. Visitation will be held at Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home on Monday, July 23, 2012, where the family will be present from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Funeral services and burial will be Tuesday, July 24, 2012, 11:00 a.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery with Reverend David C. Walsh Sr. officiating. Betty will be interred next to her husband of 54 years, "Red". Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association or the Calhoun Area Humane Society. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Betty may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com