WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Betty Jean VanPelt, age 85, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday afternoon, Feb. 9, 2014, at her home.
She was born Feb. 28, 1928, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late William and Theda (Staples) Jourdan.
Betty was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1946.
On Feb. 15, 1947, she married Norman VanPelt in Angola, Ind.
Betty was an active dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Sturgis. She enjoyed bowling, was a member of the Red Hat Society and loved time spent with her family.
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 67 years, Norman; a daughter, Linda (Ken) Davenport of Iowa City, Iowa; a son, Mike VanPelt of Sturgis; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters, Brenda (Max) Sayles of Avilla, Ind., Judy Taylor of Goshen, Ind., and Suzzanne (Gerald) Daniels of Cadillac; three brothers, Earl Jourdan of Colon, James Jourdan of Sturgis and Clarence “Lee” Jourdan of Sturgis; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Henry “Hank” Jourdan and William Jourdan.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends and a memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.
Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. VanPelt’s memory consider Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
