Charlotte Mae Betten

Charlotte “Char” Weesies Betten, age 89, of Grand Rapids, Michigan went to heaven on Friday, June 24, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony James “Tony” Betten; brothers and sister, Don Weesies, Cal and Lois Weesies, Ellen and Don Johnson, and Dave Weerstra. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Dennis and Lori Betten, Glenn and Shar Betten, Jerry and Elizabeth Betten, Valerie Betten, Karla Betten and Brad Priebe; grandchildren James Betten, Pamela and Paul Slotsema, Kara and Paul Jedele, Steven and Emma Betten, Daniel Betten, Anthony Betten, Jake Betten, Carli Betten, Maria Betten, Elizabeth Bajema and Michael Caldwell, Bryan Bajema, and Erin Bajema; great-grandchildren Polly, Preston, Pierce & Peter Slotsema; Mason & Marley Jedele; Madilynn Betten; sister and brothers Fran Weerstra, David and Barb Weesies, June Weesies, Sharlene Karsten, and Ken Weesies; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Joe and Verna Betten, Marlene Betten, Esther Betten, Sid Helder; and many nieces and nephews. Charlotte was born to Claude and Jantina (Newmyer) Weesies in Muskegon, Michigan on February 4, 1933 and was the oldest of seven children. She grew up on the Weesies’ family farm, harvesting celery with siblings and farm workers. She went on to graduate from nursing school, then began working at Blodgett hospital in Grand Rapids. She worked in a polio ward for nine months and then on a medical floor. Her grandchildren remember the many stories she shared from her time farming and nursing. In 1957 Charlotte married Tony Betten, and they remained faithfully committed to one another throughout their lives. Tony and Char had five children, and later 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Tony and Char’s home became a gathering point for the whole family, where children and grandchildren regularly visited and boarded thanks to their generosity. Char will be lovingly remembered for her late-night baking, her watchful eye, and her loud peals of laughter. Char’s faith was important to her above all else, and she ensured this faith was passed down to her family. Char was a spirited woman with an impeccable sense of humor, so there was rarely a dull moment in her home or at the family cottages. Her laughter, faith, and love of family will live on in all those who were blessed to know her. Funeral services will be held 11 am Thursday, June 30 at Cascade Fellowship, 6655 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Lunch will be served following the service. Burial Woodlawn Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Thursday from 10-11am at church, one hour prior to service. Memorial contributions in honor of Char can be made to Safe Haven Ministries.