Betty M. Zulch

Betty Marlee Zulch (Washington) passed in the early hours of July 24, 2022 at home with granddaughter Halie by her side at the age of 89. Marlee is survived by son William Zulch, wife Becca, (Casie and Jacob), daughter Catherine Zonsius, (Rachel, Kristen, and Allie), son Thomas Zulch, wife Julie, (Matthew, Halie, Megan, Kayla, and Jennifer); 4 great-grandchildren and sister Lois Jean Harrison (Richard). Predeceased by son Gregory Zulch.
Marlee was born in Sherwood, MI July 3, 1933 to Clara (Shelts) and Thomas Russell Washington. She was raised and lived in Battle Creek where she met and married Richard Zulch. Marlee and Richard moved to southeast Michigan and raised their family in Clawson.
Marlee was involved with her children's activities including helping to open the first concession stand in Clawson Park. She would fill as the boy's baseball coach if Richard was busy at work. Marlee loved to entertain with her annual 4th of July barbecue attended by extended family and friends. Marlee enjoyed playing cards and socializing with her friends.
She began working at Michigan National Bank, where everyone called her Betty, to put William and Thomas through Michigan State University. Marlee became the head teller in short order and was at the bank both times it was robbed. Marlee left the bank to help provide day care to grandchildren Matt and Halie. She started working at Wood Creek Elementary School in Farmington Hills, MI starting with Matt and Halie's attendance and staying for twenty years.
Marlee touched many lives and was always there at her kitchen table for a visit, a meal, a helping hand or a place to stay. She loved traveling to Europe with her best friend Chris Vogelsang. She had a special relationship with Ann and Jeff Ross and the Ross girls. Marlee was stubbornly independent through her final days and will be missed by family and friends.
A Memorial Service will be Friday, July 29, at 1pm at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, 1368 N. Crooks Rd. Friends may begin gathering at the funeral home at 11am.