Bette Lee Serbantez

Bette Lee Serbantez, age 71, of Marshall died Thursday afternoon, August 15, 2013 at the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence in Battle Creek. Mrs. Serbantez was born on December 4, 1941 in Marshall to Robert R. and Jessie Lee (Holmes) Thick. She was a life long resident of this area and was a 1960 graduate of Marshall High School. She continued her education receiving her Licensed Practical Nurses degree in 1962. Bette had been employed by Dr. Thomas Neidlinger as a nurse for 18 years. Other places of employment included the Battle Creek Community Hospital and Oaklawn Hospital. On May 26, 1962, she married Santos "Chano" Serbantez in Marshall. The couple had celebrated 51 years of marriage. Bette was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Oaklawn Hospital Auxiliary and the Embroiderer Guild of America. She enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader. Bette embraced life, living each day to its fullest. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her loving spirit and big smile will be missed by her family and her many friends. She is survived by her husband, Chano; son, Robert E. (Elizabeth) Serbantez of Marshall; grandchildren, Matthew Serbantez and Gabriel Serbantez; sister, Linda "Pidge" Thick of Battle Creek; brother, Robert R. (Julie) Thick of Hopewell, New Jersey; special cousins, Bill and Mary Thick; and a special stitching friend, Dee Vela. She was preceded in death by her parents; and son, Gary Scott Serbantez (1991). The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1 PM to 3 PM and from 4:30 PM to 7 PM. at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, Marshall. A Rosary will be held at 4:30 PM Sunday. A funeral Mass will be held 11 AM Monday, August 19, 2013 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marshall with Reverend Fr. Stephen Naas officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Friends who wish may make memorial contributions to the St. Mary Church or to the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home. To leave a personal message and sign the online guest book, please visit www.kempfffuneralhome.com...