Mrs.  Bethel Timmer

On January 4th, after a courageous fight against cancer, Bethel Lynn Timmer (Poest) of Middleville peacefully left this life, comforted by her husband, Jerry and surrounded by family at her summer home on Gun Lake. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter and friend, Bethel was deeply caring and fiercely loyal to those close to her. She recognized her family as her greatest blessing and worked unceasingly to give her best effort for their happiness and success. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Al and Betty Poest, Bethel grew up in Godwin Heights. She shared a close bond with her brother Bob, and her sister Bev (with whom she also shared her kidney when Bev needed it). She lived for many years in the Caledonia area, devoting herself to her husband and sons, Jeff and Brian, and was an active volunteer for their schools, sports and numerous band trips, all while maintaining a busy work life. She was a very generous and social person, and loved to cook for and entertain her family and friends at her home, but especially at Gun Lake, where everyone was welcome and no one ever left without a day of fun on the water or a trip to the candy store. After a move to her "House in the Woods" in Middleville, a house that she and Jerry designed from top to bottom, it was clear that her great talent for interior design was her next creative calling. She owned and operated The Cottage House Antiques & Estate Sales and greatly enjoyed her many friends and associates who made that enterprise fun for so many years. She and Jerry never tired of "junking" throughout their years together and were ever in search of the next great treasure. She passed this love of making old things new again on to both of her sons, their wives and her grandkids. Bethel loved Christmas and created an atmosphere of magic and fun for all that celebrated it with her. She never failed to purchase a specially chosen tree ornament that represented the past year for each grandchild, niece and nephew. She took great pleasure in searching for the perfect gift for each member of her family and by doing so, showed every person how carefully she paid attention to the things they loved. Her 7 grandchildren were the center of her last 22 years and she attended more sporting events, theater productions, music and dance recitals than she could count. Their beloved "Mamie" will be so deeply missed, as will her famous "back tickles." She and Jerry have enjoyed the company of many dear friends over their long life together and especially in recent years the numerous happy trips to Indianapolis for racing, shopping, eating and laughter. Their kindness and generosity drew people to them wherever they went. It is only fitting and proper that Bethel spent her remaining days relying upon the strength and tender care of her first and only love of 50 years, Jerry, who she grew up with and built a wonderful life and family with. We are all parted from our dear Mamie too soon. Certainly she will have prepared the best party we can imagine for us when we meet again. Surviving are her husband of 50 years, Jerry; sons, Jeff (Mattie) Timmer, Brian (Beth Nagle) Timmer; grandchildren, Maggie, Joe, Grace, Noah, Mary, Mekbul, and Ellis; brother, Bob (Nancy) Poest; her lifelong friend, Gerri Reimenschneider, nieces Carrie and Alison, nephews Ben and Chris, and many friends. Bethel was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Bev Snoap. Memorial Contributions can be made in Bethel's honor to the American Cancer Society To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mrs. Bethel Timmer please visit our Sympathy Store.