Bette Suzanne Whyte

Bette Suzanne Whyte, (nee: Crook), "Suzanne", age 83, passed away March 27, 2026, at the Medilodge of Gaylord, Michigan. Suzanne was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 19, 1943. The family then moved to Highland Park, Michigan to be with her grandparents while her father served in the Philippines during WWII.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her father Dr. Charles Crook in 1971, her mother Bette Crook in 2005, and brother Charles (Steve) Crook in 2011. She is survived by her children; Peter W. Whyte III, Gaylord, MI; Carolyn E. Whyte (Christy L. Revolt), Wyoming, MI; and their father Peter (Bill) Whyte II. Suzanne is survived by her sister Leslie (Michael) Scalise of Clarence, NY and nieces and nephews including; Mike Crook (Shannon), Grosse Ile, MI, Brian Crook, Trenton, MI, Alliefair Scalise-Visser (Samuel), Roanoke, VA and Candace Scalise of Clarence, NY. Great nephews Tyler Crook (16), Brendan Crook (14), and Colin Crook (12). Suzanne is survived by her loving partner, Fred Lindroth, with whom she enjoyed boating and traveling with for the last 28 years.

Suzanne graduated from Kingswood Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills and obtained her BA from Vassar College in New York. Otsego County has always been her home, and her family has a history of involvement in local public service. Suzanne was a member and president of the Zonta Club of Gaylord. She was co-chairman of the Otsego County Community Fund and member of the board of directors. She served as the director of the Alpenfest Queen's Pageant and was president of the Friends of Otsego County Library.

Suzanne loved aviation and made her first solo flight from the Otsego Airport at the age of 17. After completing college, Suzanne completed her training and obtained her private pilot license. She flew a Piper Tri Pacer and Beechcraft Bonanza. She belonged to the Ninety-Nines; an international organization for women pilots. Suzanne competed in three Michigan Small Races and was a feature writer for two aviation newspapers. The University of Michigan Engineering Magazine published her article on Super Sonic Transport (SST) and she was appointed to the Women's Advisory Committee on Aviation by the Administrator of the FAA, Washington D.C. She was one of 27 women from across the country to be honored.

Dance was another love of Suzanne's. As a child, she appeared on Detroit television shows. In college, she was a member of the Dance Performing Group. After college, she joined the Detroit USO Troupe and earned a 5-star pin for service.

Her kindness, strength, and love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Zonta Club of Gaylord, or Otsego County Animal Shelter.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Medilodge of Gaylord for the exceptional care and compassion that they provided Suzanne for the last three years. In addition, Hospice of Michigan and members of St. Mary's Cathedral for their prayers and support during the final days of her life.

Funeral services for Suzanne will be held on Thursday April 9, 2026 at St. Mary Cathedral. Suzanne will lie in-state at the church beginning at 10 a.m. followed by the Mass of the Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Celebrating the Funeral Liturgy will be Reverend Fr. Matthew Wigton. A Spring burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery in Vanderbilt, Michigan.

Please share your stories and memories of Suzanne at the "Share a Memory" section above. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Nelsons Cremation & Funeral Services, 135 N. Center Avenue, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, Michigan 49734. www.CarebyNelsons.com