Betty Ruth Brauher's Obituary
Obituary for
Betty Ruth Brauher
(17 March 1924 - 26 January 2021)
Betty Ruth Brauher, age 96 years, fell asleep in death around 12:30 AM on 26 January 2021 at The Laurels of Carson City, MI. She was born on 17 March 1924 at the home of Harzey and E. Inez Fisher in Ferris Township, Montcalm County, MI, the second child of Floyd Ernest and Myrtle Ruth (Tomlin) Wilson. Her siblings include Mary Louise (1922-2003), Geraldine Adelia (1925-1933), William Henry (1927-1984) and Emma Jean (1929-2007). In addition to living through the Great Depression and WWII, there were two other events in Betty's life that would shape her into a strong and resilient woman. Betty was 3 years old in 1927 when a polio epidemic was affecting the country. Her mother, who was 23 years old and pregnant, was tragically stricken with the disease and thereafter confined to a wheelchair. Then six years later, on 21 October 1933, calamity struck again. Betty, her sisters Mary and Geraldine, and brother William, were in the neighbor Johnson's barn along with the Johnson children and their father when it was struck with a lightning bolt. Merle Johnson, age 7, was killed instantly and Geraldine, age 8, died the next day. Betty was admitted to Alma Hospital (MI) in critical condition. She recovered but was left with a long scar on her neck and back. The astonishing event made the front-page news of the Detroit Free Press on 23 October 1933.
Betty spent her elementary years at Douglas Road School then attended Riverdale High School, graduating in 1941. Betty married Leo Burt Brauher of Ithaca, MI on 22 November 1941 in Crystal, Michigan. They were attended by Leo's sister Helen and her husband Chet Smith. Leo and Betty started a family in 1942, welcoming their first son, Robert, who was later joined by Shirley, Roger, and Richard. In June 1949 the family moved from Pontiac, MI to the Riverdale area where they had a house built on property they purchased near the home of Betty's parents. The family grew again with the addition of Gary and Kathleen. While Leo developed and farmed the property, Betty did her part to supplement the family's income. She worked for a pickle plant in Edmore, MI, processing cucumbers (1955-1958), and the Wolverine Shoe Company in Ithaca, MI, constructing shoes (1962-1970). Betty was very energetic; her favorite pastimes were gardening, travel, shopping, and interior decorating. She enjoyed attending family gatherings, events, and reunions.
Betty is survived by her children: Robert Brauher of Crystal, MI; Shirley (Greg) Johnston of Alma, MI; Roger (De) Brauher of Pratt, KS; Richard (Jeanne) Brauher of Riverdale, MI; and Kathleen Delorey of Whitmore Lake, MI; and her grandchildren: Robin, Scott, Patrick, Angela, Tamara, Dawn, Robert, Jr., Barbara, Richard Jr., Lori, Christine, William Jr., Sarah, and Gary Jr., along with many great and great-great grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband Leo, her son Gary, and her granddaughter Shani Brauher Corrigan.
Cremation has already taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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