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Elizabeth “Betty” Jane Sarhatt, age 90, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully Monday, December 16, 2024, at her home at Corey Lake surrounded and loved by her family.
She was born on September 22, 1934 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Carl and Louise Haradine. Betty graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the Class of 1952.
At the age of 11, Betty, her parents, and her siblings became a part of the Corey Lake community spending many summers operating Richelieu Lodge. Corey Lake became and continues to be a haven for all generations.
Betty went on to earn a Bachelor of Elementary Education from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo and graduated in 1956. She met Lawrence “Larry” Sarhatt at WMU and they married on November 9, 1957.
Betty taught second grade during her early years of marriage and went on to be a devoted and loving Mom to her two children, Michael and Teresa. She was a beloved wife and trusted confidant to her husband, Larry, during many years away from Michigan. Betty and Larry returned to Corey Lake in 1982 and built their family home. Betty worked for Rifenberg-Taffee Insurance and enjoyed becoming a member of the Three Rivers community.
Betty was an accomplished quilter, an avid reader, and loved spending time with her family and friends at Corey Lake. For many years, she and Larry enjoyed the winter months in Bradenton, Florida close to relatives and a circle of treasured Florida friends. She was a member of the Lady of Lakes group, multiple book and quilting groups, and a long-time parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Three Rivers.
Betty leaves to cherish her memory one son and daughter-in-law, Michael (Cherie) Sarhatt, and their children, Ashley (Kyle) Gervais, Kyle (Lesley) Greening, and Andrea Sarhatt; one daughter, Teresa Hansen and her son Jack Hansen; her sister, Ann Langefeld and many nieces and nephews. Adding to her joy, her first great-grandchild, Parker Lloyd Sarhatt Gervais arrived in July of 2023.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Louise; her husband, Larry; her brother, Ed Haradine; sister-in-law, Ada Haradine, brother-in-law, Lou Langefeld and her son-in-law, Todd Hansen.
Her family will receive friends on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, MI.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 645 S. Douglas Ave., Three Rivers, with Father R. Mathias as celebrant. Lunch to follow at the church.
Private interment will take place at Poe Cemetery.
Donations in Betty’s memory may be directed to Immaculate Conception Church. Envelopes will be available at the church and the funeral home.
