Betty Derck, 83

Betty Jean Derck, 83, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Wednesday evening, Dec. 9, 2009, at the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room.

She was born May 10, 1926, in Sturgis, Mich., a daughter to the late Fred and Ida C. (Grant) Mandigo.

Betty had lived nearly her whole life in the Sturgis and White Pigeon area and graduated from White Pigeon High School with the class of 1944.

She was first married to Jake Jordan who preceded her in death. She later married Charles Derck who also preceded her in death.

She retired from at Sturgis Newport Business Forms following many years of dedicated employment and she was a home maker.

While she was married to Jake the two of them rode motorcycles from Texas to the Panama Canal and she enjoyed playing golf.

She is survived by one brother, Fred (Phyllis) Mandigo of Sturgis; two nephews, Vaughn Mandigo and Brad Baley; and three nieces, Victoria Braquet, Virginia Keen and Valerie Cosgrove.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands; and two sisters, Dorothy Phillips and Donna Baley.

In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Betty Jean Derck will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, (269) 651-2331. The Rev. Wilbur Brandli will officiate. Private burial of the ashes will take place at the White Pigeon Township Cemetery in White Pigeon.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Derck’s memory consider the charity of one’s choice.