Bette Arlene Hartig's Obituary
In Loving Memory - Bette Arlene Hartig, Big Rapids
Bette Arlene Hartig, age 97, passed away on November 9, 2024, in Big Rapids, Michigan. Bette was born to Alma and Lewis Hartig October 23, 1927, in Alma, Michigan. After High School, working at JC Penney in Alma, she was well known for the beautiful store window displays she created. Everyone would stop to admire her work. She was obviously a talented artist, as she continued to display for many, many years.
Bette had always dreamed of going to college, so at the age of 35, she enrolled in Ferris State College (now FSU). She loved her college years; living in dorms and becoming an RA. She then transferred to Central Michigan University and graduated with a degree in Education in 1967. She taught Physical Education and coached sports at Port Huron Northern High School for four years. She returned to Ferris as a House Mother, Assistant Housing Director, and ultimately served as Director of the Rankin Student Center until her retirement.
Bette loved to travel, especially to New York City. There was a college “girls road trip” to Manhattan, she attended the Westminster Dog Show, and most recently, enjoyed a bus trip to New York City. She was thrilled to attend Wimbledon in London, visit friends in Japan and Korea, and enjoyed her recent trip to Mackinac Island.
Bette’s great passions were Sports and Art. She excelled at both. She won the Club Champion in Women’s Golf at Pine River Country Club in the early 1970’s. She loved golf, tennis, cross country skiing, pickleball, badminton, volleyball and much more.
Bette was a born artist. She loved working in all media, but ultimately became most passionate about wood carving. She Co-founded the Wood Whackers carving club many years ago, which continues to thrive today. She loved teaching carving, learning from the other talented artists, and especially the camaraderie. ArtWorks of Big Rapids honored her in 2020 as their Patron of the Arts for all of her contributions to the local artistic community.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 23 at the David L. Eisler Center Ballroom, 805 Campus Drive, Big Rapids. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Alma, Michigan.
Donations may be made in memory of Bette to Michigan Humane (michiganhumane.org) or The Ferris Foundation (ferris.edu/giving).
Care and arrangements are entrusted to Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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