Tanya passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2nd, 2026, at the age of 67. She was born on February 9, 1959, in Kalamazoo, MI to Donald and Nancy (Barrett) Betke.

Tanya retired from the United States Postal Service after thirty-seven dedicated years of service. She embraced retirement alongside her beloved partner of twenty-three years, Gerald (Jerry) Kelley. Together they enjoyed a life filled with long walks, church, vacations, and treasured family gatherings.

Tanya had a special gift for forming lifelong friendships and was always willing to lend a listening ear. She loved the warmth of the sun and being at the beach. She was an avid photographer and scrapbooker, she lovingly created keepsakes for her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She rarely missed a game, concert, or performance, taking great joy in cheering them on and celebrating their accomplishments.

Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved her, and she will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Betke, in 2013 and infant nephew Garret VanderWeele, in 1998.

She is survived by her mother, Nancy (Barrett) Betke; her siblings, Jodi (Tom) Noble, Brian Betke; her nieces and nephews Danielle (Gabriel) Rhoades, Victoria (Monty) Emmons, Sabrina VanderWeele, Hayden VanderWeele; as well as great-nieces and nephews and loving partner Gerald (Jerry) Kelley.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Tanya’s life will be held at a later date, please check www.amsfuneralhomes.com for updates.

While visiting Tanya’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand St. Schoolcraft, MI 49087, (269 679-5622).