Elizabeth "Betty" Simon

Elizabeth "Betty" Simon, age 78 died peacefully on January 6, 2026. She was born on February 12, 1947, in Petoskey, Michigan, the eldest of eight children born to Albert and Grace (Fettig) Wilhelm.
Betty graduated from St. Francis High School and later completed her nursing education in Traverse City, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse certification. She devoted many years to caring for others as an LPN at Sparrow Hospital, in hospice care, and in physicians' offices in St. Johns.
Through family connections, Betty met Mark Simon, whom she married on her birthday, February 12, 1972, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Together, they raised their family in St. Johns and shared fifty-three years of marriage.
Betty enjoyed reading, crocheting, and knitting, and was rarely without a project in her hands. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed Scrabble, puzzles, and buying and selling antiques. She and Mark especially cherished time spent camping and fishing together. Above all, Betty treasured time with her extended family and friends and remained especially close to her siblings. Loving and thoughtful, she was often the family member others called upon when help was needed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Simon, on December 17, 2025; her parents, Albert and Grace Wilhelm; and her sister, Marji Wilhelm.
Betty is survived by her sons, Joe and Steve Simon; her niece, Maureen (James) Hohler; her siblings, Joanne (James) Avery, Lee Wilhelm, Mary (Brian) Hutchins, John (Karen) Wilhelm, David (Trish) Wilhelm, and Ginger (Jim) Jakeway; along with many extended family members, friends, and neighbors who will deeply miss her.
A Celebration of Mark and Betty's Lives will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Twelve Noon at VFW Post 4113, 2497 Old U.S. 27, St. Johns.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice. Click here to view Mark Simon's obituary
For further information, phone McGeehan Funeral Home at 989-224-4422.