Elizabeth Ann (Bette) Metts
Elizabeth Ann (Bette) Metts of Eaton Rapids, passed away December 27, 2019, peacefully in her sleep surrounded by her family at the age of 94. Bette was born in Grand Rapids on September 15, 1925, the daughter of James and Pauline (Odette) Doran. Bette lived in the Lansing area for most of her life. She was married to Dale E. Metts, who was a teacher and administrator in the Lansing School District.
She will be missed by her eight children and their families: Tim (Connie) Metts, Dale (Sharon) Metts, Jeff (Chris) Metts, Tom (Rexine) Metts, John (Beth) Metts, Jerry (Paula) Metts, Mary (Tim) Fox and Beth (Phil) Spreitzer; 63 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister, Pauline (Ed) McGlade.
Bette was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale; grandchildren, Dale Metts III and Molly Metts; brothers, James Doran and John Doran; and sister, Verna Belle Rogers.
Bette was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing, St. John’s Student Parish in East Lansing, St. Casimir’s Church in Lansing and St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids.
While raising her family, Bette sewed hand-made Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for her grandchildren and, after a few years, decided to start a small doll-making business which blossomed into a budding enterprise known as The Jolly Dolly Co. Bette made countless dolls for children in all sizes and colors. With her earnings, she purchased a 1973 Volkswagen van, which she and dad used for many family excursions until it was handed down to her son, Tom.
After raising her eight children, Bette sought to finish her education and received her nursing degree from Lansing Community College in 1975 and began working at St. Lawrence Hospital in Lansing until she retired. She also pursued her longtime passion for law enforcement and took several classes in criminal justice and qualified as a distinguished expert with a pistol.
Bette’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss her love and warm hugs.
The Metts family would like to thank Sheryl James and the Aviary staff at Island City Assisted Living as well as Elara Caring Hospice.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on December 30, 2019, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Eaton Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Right to Life of Michigan. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.