Betsy Hill

Betsy Ann Hill passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, July 20 at Kauhale Assisted Living Center in Otsego. She was born July 5, 1936, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Charles W. and Frances (Austin) Welch. Graduating in 1954 from Mattawan High School, Betsy went on to Western Michigan University to earn her Bachelor of Science and teaching certificate in 1958. While teaching Home Economics in Otsego Schools, ‘Miss Welch’ would meet her future husband, Charles Hill, while shopping at Harding’s Market for her cooking classes. They married August 1,1964, and together they traveled the country in their Avion trailer, walked the Mackinaw Bridge on Labor Day, could not miss the Music Barn’s sing-a-longs and enjoyed their summer cottage on Three Mile Lake. Betsy retired from teaching in 1967 and went on to open The Little Red Hen gift and craft shop where she instructed emerging artists in tole painting and inspired creativity. Always community and church minded and with endless compassion for others, she and Charles promoted the Plainwell Music Society along with numerous charitable institutions. Betsy served on the original Capital Campaign Team for Christian Neighbors in Plainwell and was a charter member of Chapter ED, P.E.O., Otsego, for 44 years. 

Betsy was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, her parents, and a nephew, Mark MacDonald. She is survived by her cousin, Mary Ann Weaver (Terry) of Paw Paw, her sister-in-law, Sharon MacDonald and brother-in-law Martin Hill (Cathy), both of Plainwell, a niece and several nephews. The special friends who became Betsy and Charles’ extended family were a constant source of happiness and comfort to her.

A memorial service honoring Betsy’s life will be held at the Otsego United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 10. You are welcome to join family and friends at 10:00 with the service following at 11:00. 

Those who wish may make contributions to Otsego United Methodist Church or Christian Neighbors, 282 12th Street Plainwell, Michigan 49080.

While visiting Betsy’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.  The family is being assisted by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 120 S. Woodhams St. Plainwell, MI 49080 (269-685-5881).