Betty Newman

Betty I. Newman passed away in the early hours of July 3, 2025 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law. Betty was born Nov. 3, 1930 to Cecile T. (Degre) and Nelson O. Hayes, in Windsor Ontario. Her family moved to Battle Creek in 1945 from Pontiac MI. She graduated from St. Philip High School in 1948 and received the St. Philip “Distinguished Alumni Award” in 2000. After High School she attended Mercy College of Nursing in Detroit. She worked for many years at the former Lakeview General Hospital until its closing.

She was a member of St. Joseph Church for over 70 years where she was active in the Legion of Mary and the funeral choir.

She married George Newman in Battle Creek on October 25, 1952. He preceded her in death in 1989.

We would like to think that raising her four children was the highpoint of her life but it was clearly her fifteen grandchildren that brought her the greatest joy. Fondly known as Gramma B, she attended nearly every athletic event, dance recital or school program that her grandchildren were involved in between 1983 and 2012.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brother Cecil Hayes in 1988 and her daughter Barbara in 2017. She is survived by her son Joseph (Patty) Newman who graciously took her into their home in 2016, son-in-law Terry Newton and daughters Bonnie (Norman) Downey and Teresa (Phillip) Reed. In addition; she leaves behind her 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

With grateful hearts we say good-bye. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8th at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with a rosary service starting at 7 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9th at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers Betty has asked that donations be made to the Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools.