- Date Of Birth: October 24, 1918
- Date Of Death: May 3, 2018
- State: Michigan
Bette L. Fisher, age 99 of Midland, passed away early Thursday morning, May 3, 2018 at King’s Daughters home. The daughter of the late Vere and Mildred (Day) Graves was born in Midland on October 24, 1918 where she was raised, and educated. She graduated from Midland High School in 1936. Bette married Arthur J. (Bill) Fisher on August 20, 1941 at First United Methodist Church in Midland. They were married 71 years when he passed July 31, 2013.
After WWII Bette and Bill returned to Midland. Along with Bill’s two brothers, Jim and Bud, and their spouses, they then bought and expanded the existing family concrete/asphalt/construction business, which today is known as The Fisher Companies in Midland, Bay City, and Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
While she was raising her two daughters, Catherine and Janet, Bette was an active volunteer and later, served as President of the Midland Hospital Auxiliary. Bette and Jane Rubins were also instrumental in starting Mobile Meals on Wheels for local shut-ins in the community. She also served on the Midland Hospital Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the Salvation Army. Bette was a member of the Women’s Club.
Later in her life, Bette became active in local business. In 1973, she became owner of a local retail business, LaFemme Lingerie, in Midland. She continued in business twenty-seven years, with her daughter Catherine joining her in the business as co-owner in 1975. She was a founding member of the Midland Morning Rotary Club business club which honored her with the Paul Harris Award.
Bette and Bill were active supporters of Northwood University from its inception. Bette received the Silver Circle award and, along with Bill, an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Northwood.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Midland.
Surviving are her daughters, Catherine (Lewis) Webster, Janet Fisher-McPeak all of Midland; sister, Bonnie McPhillips of Sterling Heights; sister in law, Geraldine Fisher of Midland; brother in law, R.J. “Bud” (Virginia) Fisher of Mt. Pleasant; many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Bette was also preceded in death by brothers, Bill, Duane, Rex, Robert and Don Graves.
