WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Betty Lou Kipker-Chase, age 90, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Bronson Methodist Hospital with family at her side.
She was born November 4, 1934 to Clyde and Bernice Bowers, and at the age of 10 was lovingly adopted by Clarence and Mary Dickerson.
She graduated from Niles High School with the class of 1954.
On June 19, 1956 she married Richard Kipker. The couple shared 34 years together before his passing in 1990. She was blessed to find love again with Leslie Chase, whom she married on March 19, 1999. They shared 18 years together before his passing in 2017.
Betty loved to work hard and made many friends at Michigan Power, Dayco, Arco and Three Rivers Hospital. She made friends everywhere she went. She will be missed dearly by her special friends at the COA and the bowling alley. Many referred to her as Gramma Betty who for years zipped around town on her moped and in her late 80’s, switched to a golf cart.
Betty lived life to the fullest, enjoying her time playing bingo, bowling and volunteering at the community soup pot and Birch Meadows Senior Care. She spent her entire life caring and doing for others. As she always said, she was “two in a million.”
Remaining to cherish her memory are her children, Mary (Mark) Anthony, Peggy Sabin, Gail (Jim) Peffley, and Richard (Tina) Kipker Jr. Stepchildren, Amy (Mike) O’Brien, Caryn (Patrick) Ellis, Carole (John) Wyatt, Mike (Marites) Chase, and Estee (Jack) Hodge; sister, Marguerite Peacock; brother, Bill Bowers; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and so many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, sister Leona Nagy, and son in law Richard Sabin.
Her family will receive friends Friday, June 20, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, with a memorial service at 7:00 at the funeral home with Pastor Ed Ross officiating. She will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.
Donations in Betty’s memory may be directed to American Cancer Society or St. Joseph County Animal Rescue Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
