Betty J. Hogan
Betty Jean Hogan of Charlotte, Mich., a little bundle of energy that waterskied into her 70’s, died September 6, 2021, at the age of 89. Born in Grand Rapids on June 17, 1932, to Carl and Alice (Broadbent) Johnson, Betty was always on the move…if you couldn’t keep up, you were left behind. A devoted Christian, Betty was an active member and volunteer at her church, First Baptist Church in Charlotte. Betty worked as a cashier at Carl’s Supermarket in Lake Odessa, and at Publix in Fla., owned and operated a dairy farm, and was the treasurer for Benton Township as well as United Brethren Church for many years. She also found time to volunteer as a 4-H leader and a sunday school teacher.
Since she was always on the go, Betty had many activities to keep her busy and happy. She was a skilled gardener with both her vegetable garden and flower garden, loved to water ski, and she enjoyed reading, watching NASCAR races, and playing games like Hand and Foot and Mexican Train with her friends and family. Betty’s biggest joy in life was her family, she enjoyed being involved in and watching all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s activities.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Jeaneen Smuts and Verna (Wayne) Brundage; son, Vern (Cathy) Letson; eight grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ralph Letson and second husband, James Hogan; daughter, Lavonne Letson; son, Darwin Letson; and son-in-law, Mark Smuts.
Friends are encouraged to support Betty’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Visitation is Thursday, September 16, 6 to 8 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Memorial services are Friday, September 17, 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Charlotte with Rev. Pete Kroll officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on Betty’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Helping Hands Food Pantry or Suitcases 4 Kids. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.