Sharon Betz Obituary
DEXTER, Mich. — Sharon L. Betz passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at her home in Dexter, Mich. with her family by her side. She was born on Jan. 14, 1973, the daughter of Marilyn Ricketts of Georgetown.
Sharon married Bryan on Sept. 21, 2002 in Chapel Hill, N.C.
She is survived by their two adored children, Katherine Emma (4) and Andrew Lorris (2), as well as her mother, Marilyn, and siblings, Mark (Donna) Ricketts of Lititz, Pa., Wendy (James) Beauvais of Georgetown, JoAnn (Scott) Bennett of Saint Charles, Ill., and Brett Ricketts of Manchester, N.H. and nine nieces and nephews.
Sharon received a B.S. in Health Sciences from Merrimack College in North Andover, (1997) and a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pathology from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, N.C. (2002). She then completed Postdoctoral Fellowships in Clinical Molecular Genetics (2003-2005) and Cytogenetics (2005-2007) at the University of North Carolina Hospitals. She joined the University of Michigan faculty in the Department of Pathology in July 2007 as Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of the Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics Laboratories. Dr. Betz was board certified in Clinical Molecular Genetics and Clinical Cytogenetics.
Sharon was blessed with many friends and colleagues. Her family would like to thank them for their love and support. They are also grateful for the assistance of Rev. Brendan Walsh of St. Joseph Parish in Dexter, Mich.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 27, at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. 4th Ave. Ann Arbor from 5 to 8 p.m. A Catholic funeral service to celebrate Sharon's life will be prayed at the New St. Joseph Catholic Church, 6805 Mast Road, (corner of Mast and N. Territorial) on Monday, July 28, 2008. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service at noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Betz Children Educational Fund at TCF Bank.
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32 Entries
Miracle
August 6, 2008
Im sorry to hear about you loved one, i would love to share a scirpture @ John11:25"Jesus said I am the resurrecion andf life he that exericses faith in me, even though he dies will come to life."
Raymond Doyle
August 5, 2008
Dear Bryan and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories of such a great wife and mother. Her legacy will live on forever. Sorry we couldn't be there. All Our Love,Ray, Kim Shannon and Jerry
J. Atwood
August 4, 2008
Bryan and Family,
Sharon was a friend at GDA, a wonderful person and will be missed. While we have not stayed in touch since graduation her smiling face came to mind when I heard the sad news. My thoughts are with you.
Mary Klingelhofer
August 3, 2008
Dear Bryan
I'm so sorry for the loss of Sharon, what accomplishments she had in her short life. I wish I could have come to her funeral but Paul is not doing well. You are in our prayers.
Mary and Paul
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Chrystal Murphy
July 31, 2008
Brian and family
I had the pleasure of working with Sharon in the UNC Cytogenetics lab.
I watched this beautiful, smart, sweet unassuming young woman grow into a skilled and confident cytogenetist that was ALWAYS a pleasure to work with and talk too. Sharon ALWAYS made me feel like a trusted friend and I'm forever in her debt for all of her help on the job. She would often ask me about my family and expressed genuine concern for our well-being. You and those "precious little ones" are in our thoughts, prayers and hopes. A bright light and a shining star she will forever be...
God Bless The Murphy's, Durham, NC
Damani Parran and Family
July 30, 2008
Bryan and families,
Our condolences are with you and your children and the rest of the families. Sharon and I were friends during graduate school at Chapel Hill and I will cherish our times together. She left this world entirely too soon but rest assured that she will continue to watch over you and your family from heaven. She will be deeply missed.
Julie Doyle-Folch
July 28, 2008
Dear Aunt Ann, Uncle Lorris, Cousins Bryan and Jenny, and Family of Sharon: it is so difficult to know what to say as you deal with this momentous loss in your lives. As you may know, we are also struggling with terminal cancer issues with my husband, and it is definitely not a battle for the weak. Sharon sounds incredibly strong and brave and by Aunt Ann's descriptions, she faced her illness with great dignity. We are sorry we never had a chance to meet her. We also have young children, so we will pray most fervantly for little Katherine and Andrew, that God protects them and carries them through their pain and this great loss. Our thoughts are with ALL of you, and our hearts cry out at the injustice of the death of a vibrant, giving and intelligent young woman like Sharon, but we know and we HAVE to trust that God has a plan for everything in life, though we are incapable as humans to fully understand His plans, this side of Heaven. Romans 8, Verse 28 says "And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Sharon lived a life that truly mattered and it is obvious she made such an important impact on those around her - on family and friends who personally knew and loved her; on those she helped through her work and research; and on those of us who never met her but are truly inspired by her strength and courage. May God bless and keep you ALL and may your memories comfort you in times of sorrow. You are being lifted up in prayer by so many. With love and regards, Julie, Charles, Celina and Lucas Folch
kelley scheck
July 28, 2008
Bryan,Aunt Ann,and Uncle Lorris, Though it has been such a long time,
since i have seen you, it has truely broke my heart to hear about your wife Sharon,i know this is an extremely hard time for you i want you to know that my family and i are here for you, for anything. i have fond memories Bryan of when we were younger we would come to visit your mom and dad in Madison,Wi. well, i am getting long winded, i am thinking and praying for you that in time your heart will heal.
God Bless
kelley scheck (Grimslid)
Pat and Elaine Doyle
July 28, 2008
Bryon,Ann and Lorris
So very sorry to hear of Sharons passing. She seemed to be a very beautiful women whom I'm sure will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Be assured God has another Angel in Heaven and hopefully we will all see her again.
zeba singh
July 28, 2008
Bryan,
My condolences are with you, your children and the rest of the family. Sharon was a very lovely person and I spent a short but enjoyable time with her in Chapel Hill. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Leanne (Clancy) Ouellette
July 28, 2008
To the Ricketts and Betz family-
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Sharon. Although I haven't seen any of you in years, my mom would give me updates occassionally. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time. Neighborhood memories will remain always.....
Telonya Pinckney
July 28, 2008
Bryan,
I will always remember the smile on Sharon's face when she talked about her family. She will be missed dearly.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal".
My deepest sympathy
Kris Pierimarchi
July 28, 2008
The Ricketts family and mine spent lots of summer days together when I was a child. Seeing the picture of her I will always remember her smile, and the wonderful times we had playing together as children. Sharon had a beautiful smile. Warm thoughts and prays for the entire family. Love Kris
Marila Cordeiro-Stone
July 28, 2008
Dear Bryan and Family Members,
I am saddened by the news that Sharon died at such an young age! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Irene Chalek
July 28, 2008
Dear Lynn and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories and the love of family and friends give you comfort and strength.
Sincerely,
Wanda Arroyo
July 28, 2008
Bryan,
I am very sorry to hear about Sharon. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Katherine, Andrew, and the rest of the family. She was a very special person. I will miss her.
Betsy Klingelhofer
July 27, 2008
Brian, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are a strong, amazing family. Sharon will continue to stand by your side in spirit and help guide you through this time of need. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need anything. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Betsy and Eric
Jim Nigro
July 27, 2008
Dear Family,
Sharon and I were friends and I was saddened to hear that she had passed. She now is in a place where there is no pain and she will always be there with you. At this time I pray that you all find healing very soon.
Kimberly Pierimarchi
July 27, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go to all who loved and who were lucky to know Sharon.
Much Love,
Kim
Peggy Skalicky
July 27, 2008
Dear Bryan, Ann and Lorris,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this trying time. I know Sharon will be watching over you forever.
Love,
Peggy, Al, Megan and Jake Skalicky
Susan Peterson
July 27, 2008
Dear Bryan,
I'm so sorry for the loss of Sharon and wish I could be there. Although she is not here in body, she will always be with you in spirit. She accomplished so much in the time she had. You and your family are thought of every day.
Colette Suchla-Doyle
July 27, 2008
Dear Bryan, Katherine & Andrew
Our hearts are breaking for you ... we are better people for having known Sharon - please know that she will always be with you, watching over you, from all the stars in heaven ...
We love you,
Mike & Colette
Kathy Schueler
July 27, 2008
Ann, Lorris and Jenny
Wish I could be there for all of you. Know that we are here if you need anything. Sharon was very special. I remember going to her wedding shower in NH and meeting her for the first time. Such a happy, beautiful person. She and Bryan seemed the perfect pair. Our thoughts and prayers for Katherine, Andrew, Sharon and Bryan.
Take care. We love you all!
Love, Kathy and Keith
The Symmes Family
July 27, 2008
To my dearest friend JoAnn, Mrs. Ricketts and her family, and the Betz Family,
You have all been in our thoughts and prayers every single day. It has been many years but my memory of Sharon is from childhood up in New Hampshire after she was bitten by that psycho dog. She had been badly bitten on her face. I remember the whole family looked after her and took care of her. It was then that I saw the bond this family had and how special each member was to the others. Sharon was blessed to have you all.
Love,
Lisa
Bridget Schueler
July 27, 2008
Bryan,
I wish I could be there with you and the rest of the family in Michigan but know we are all thinking of you.
Sharon & Neal Miller
July 27, 2008
Bryan, Katherine, Andrew and The Betz & Ricketts families,
We are greatly saddened by the loss of our dear neighbor and friend. Sharon taught us the true meaning of courage. We are honored to have met her on her life's journey. May her love and memory warm your hearts each and every day.
Kathy Doyle-Schueler
July 26, 2008
Dear Bryan,
We are so very sorry for your great loss. Sharon was such a bright light in your loving family. She accomplished so much in her short life. Her memory and love for all of you will live on.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you during this most difficult time.
Much Love and Hugs,
Kathy and Keith
joann knowles
July 26, 2008
Wendy,
I am sp sorry to read about your sister. I just wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you and your family. deepest sympathy
Joann AJH
Barb and Vic Pierimarchi
July 26, 2008
Dear Lynn and Family,
Our hearts are with you during this time of sorrow and loss. Sharon was a bright star; she accomplished so much during the short time that she was with us and her spirit will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Please know that our love, thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nicole Basti Healy
July 26, 2008
Dear Betz & Ricketts families,
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of Sharon in our early 20's working together and being young. I hope she knows in heaven that I never stopped thinking of her... I'm so very sad for you all and I wish I could turn back time just to say hello... My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless you all and God Bless Sharon.
Nicole Healy
July 26, 2008
Dear Mrs. Ricketts, Wendy & family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Sharon working together at MB, and just being young. I'm deeply sorry for the children and husband, I know I was proud of her for all of her accomplishments in her short life and you all should be too. God Bless You all - I'm shocked and sorry I never had a chance to look her up and swap life stories. I'm terribly saddened by this news of her passing. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Nicole Basti Healy
Janet Hodyl
July 26, 2008
JoAnn,
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your entire family. I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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