Betty Hotchkiss

Betty Ann (VanDenBerg) Hotchkiss, age 83, of Plainwell, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Born on November 22, 1941, in Prairieville Township, Betty was the first of three children born to Donald VanDenBerg and Fern (Whyment) VanDenBerg. She grew up on the family's hardworking dairy farm, where her early years were filled with early mornings, milking cows, and learning the values of responsibility and perseverance. These values would carry her through a life built on dedication-to family, to work, and to the simple joys of living well.

A graduate of Plainwell High School in the early 1960s, Betty caught the eye of Ronald Hotchkiss, a local boy who already knew she was someone special. Though she was a year behind him in school, Ron often found himself passing by her house, hoping for a glimpse. Once she graduated, he didn't waste a moment-he called her up, asked her out, and from that point forward, their love story unfolded. On June 15, 1963, Betty and Ron were married at Plainwell Presbyterian Church, beginning a life together that would span fifty joyful years.

Betty and Ron built their life around shared passions: gardening, canning, fishing, and enjoying the small-town traditions that made life sweet. Their garden was a labor of love, full of tomatoes, corn, zucchini, beets, and cucumbers that Betty took great pride in preserving vegetables and pickles. They never missed a trip to the Allegan County Fair, and many weekends found them in Shipshewana, indulging in hearty meals at Das Dutchman Essenhaus and enjoying the simple pleasure of browsing local shops. Quiet fishing trips for bluegill became cherished memories-just the two of them, a line in the water, and the peace of Michigan's lakes.

Betty dedicated 35 years of her working life to Parker Hannifin, where her work ethic and kindness left a lasting mark. After retirement, she embraced a slower pace, filled with family, laughter, and long afternoons spent at Sandy Pines with her sister and dear friend, Janet Martin. The two loved browsing the flea and farmer's markets and exploring the campground by golf cart, always with an eye out for a good deal-or a good story to share.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald Hotchkiss; her parents, Donald and Fern VanDenBerg; her brother, Paul VanDenBerg; her in-laws, Greg Martin and Judy VanDenBerg; and her nephew, Doug VanDenBerg.

She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Janet Martin; nieces and nephews: David Hotchkiss, Debbie (Tim) Cross, Richard Hotchkiss, Mike (Chris) VanDenBerg, Bob (Stacey) VanDenBerg, Jason (Angie) VanDenBerg, Jenny (Devin) Woelzlein, Andrew (Brandi) Martin; and many great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom were touched by her quiet strength, gentle humor, and deep love for family.

Funeral services will be held at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a funeral service following on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. for visiting and 11:00 a.m. for the service. Betty will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Ronald at Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, causes close to Betty's heart.

Betty's legacy is one of quiet devotion-rooted in love, nourished by tradition, and lived with grace. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Betty's guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Hotchkiss family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 120 South Woodhams Street, Plainwell, MI 49080. 269-685-5881.