Esther Betten

Esther Mae Betten, 92 years old, entered her eternal home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, December 9, 2022.

In a small hilltop house in Lucas, Michigan, Esther Mae Lucas, was born nearly a century ago. She was the fourth generation to live in the town that bears the Lucas name, and she spent her childhood in typical rural, small-town pursuits — walking the cows out to pasture, plowing rocky soil, and digging potatoes in the fields. Esther graduated from Northern Michigan Christian High School in 1948.

On June 9, 1950, Esther married the love of her life, Henry J. Betten. They were blessed with six children who became the center of their world. Parenting those precious six children took God’s guidance, LOVE, determination, and humility. In the end, they succeeded on many levels but primarily by knowing each of their children came to the full knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.

Esther will always be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Over the years, she was involved in many volunteer and leadership roles within the churches the family found themselves faithfully committed to. One in particular was during her retirement years where she generously offered her time as a volunteer for Crossroads Prison Ministries. For over 15 years, she corrected weekly Bible study lessons and wrote each prisoner a handwritten letter of encouragement. Her insights, wisdom, warmth, hospitality, diligence, and beauty, inside and out, will be forever cherished by many.

Often the family home would be open to entertain and offer delicious meals to guests who had no place to go after Sunday morning church or guest pastors who needed to rest between services. Esther provided countless dinners, holiday events and birthday parties for her children and grandchildren over the years. Her home was a gathering place of delicious food, laughter, and fun. Esther loved playing card games and would often suggest a friendly competition of Peanut or Up and Down the River. Always ending with the uproariously “Championship of all Championship” grand finale’ game.

In her life, Esther had an ongoing desire to continue to grow and learn. Even with children at home and many meals to fix and laundry to do - she would take an occasional college class or learn a new skill. Often, she could be found refurbishing furniture in the basement. Her sewing abilities were honed to perfection, and she sewed beautiful home decor items and clothing for her children and herself over the years.

Henry and Esther prioritized Christian Education for their children and major sacrifices were made to that end. To support and follow Henry’s career growth opportunities - Esther was a faithful, patient, and devoted wife who moved multiple times and with multiple children in tow. It was no small undertaking. Putting down roots and pulling up roots became the family norm along with tedious packing and unpacking. Eventually the family settled in Muskegon, Michigan, where Esther enjoyed her home on Mona Lake for 43 years.

Over the years, the family loved to camp and boat and fish and found fun and friendships wherever they lived. Later in life, Henry and Esther adventured for many years in their motorhome - pursuing fabulous golf courses and traveling across the country to visit family.

The ultimate legacy Esther left her family was her unshakeable faith in God who richly blessed her with nearly a century of life here on earth. During those 92 years she experienced both unparalleled joys and also the deepest of sorrows. Through it all and even up until her final days, Esther exemplified and modeled strength, resiliency, perseverance, and gratitude. She openly reflected on and encouraged each one of her family members with the faith she so cherished in her Lord and Savior, her rock and eternal comfort.

Esther was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry J. Betten, in 1996; her dearly loved sons, Daniel Lee Betten in 1989 and Paul Alan Betten in 2013; and her much loved daughter-in-law, Marcy Betten in 2012.

Esther is survived by her children: Joseph Betten (Michele) of West Olive, MI, Sandra te Velde (Marvin) of Fort Lupton, CO, Henry Betten (Debbie) of Rockford MI, Carol Bouwkamp (Roger) of Ada, MI, Amy Betten (Paul), and Todd Bosgraaf of Grand Haven, MI.

Esther is also survived by her 18 grandchildren: Marie and Scott, Amy, Khris, Shawn and Michelle, Ryan and Stephanie, Michael and Evelyn, Michelle, Henry and Tammy, Lauren and Mike, Jeremy and Elizabeth, Benjamin and Elle, Kevin and Amelie, Joel and Jeanette, Megan and Keifer, Renelle and Anthony, Collin, Emily, and Elise.

Esther is survived by her 18 great-grandchildren: Jordan and Emily, Owen, Morgan, Brody, Alexandra, William, Matthew, James, Annabelle, Amelia, Jonathan, Carla, Titus, George, Audrey and Brandon, Henry, Araya, Nicholas, Rose, Liam, Molly, Emmerson, and Stevie; and her great-great-grandson, Jason Thomas.

All of her grandchildren were the center of Esther’s world, and she thanked God for their uniqueness and the joy and the many blessings they brought to her life.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. The burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday, December 16, from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday from 10-10:45 a.m. at the funeral home. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Love INC of Muskegon (https://loveincofmuskegon.com/donate/), Crossroads Prison Ministries (https://cpministries.org/donate), or Partners Worldwide (https://support.partnersworldwide.org/give/184306/#!/donation/checkout).