- Date Of Birth: December 26, 1939
- Date Of Death: June 29, 2020
- State: Michigan
After a four-year struggle with dementia, Betty Arlene Westra met her Savior face-to-face with fully restored heart, soul, mind, and strength on June 29, 2020. Born in Dorr, Michigan to David and Jeanette (DeKraker) Morren on December 26, 1939, her rural upbringing sowed in her a life-long love for planting, a hobby she enjoyed as long as she was physically able.
After meeting and marrying Wallace Karl Westra, she became a Kalamazoo resident. Betty’s deep investment in family was evidenced in her varied roles as sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. One of her greatest gifts was showing love through cooking and baking; a visit to Betty was not complete without a beef roast, cheesy potatoes, or a pan of Scotcheroos. While Betty faithfully cared for her family, she was also employed by the Upjohn Company for more than a decade.
The servant heart that made her a wonderful mother and grandmother also made her a vital member of the Milwood Christian Reformed Church community. Today we celebrate as this loving homemaker is welcomed to her eternal home with the Lord of Heaven and Earth. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on March 12, 2009; and a sister, Janice Langeland. She is survived by 3 children: Mark (Rachel) Westra of Grandville, MI; Susan (Chris) Pettit and Jeff Westra, both of Kalamazoo; 5 grandchildren: Ty, Hailey, and Luke Pettit, and Sam and Eli Westra; 4 siblings: Jay (Kathleen) Morren and Arnie (Cindy) Morren, Thelma (Cal) Kunnen, all from the Grand Rapids area, and Jim (Marian) Langeland of Zeeland; and several nieces and nephews.
