Betty L. Bayless

Betty L. Bayless, 95, of Alanson died July 18, 2021 at McLaren Hiland Cottage Hospice House, Petoskey. Betty was born on July 26,1925, in Ypsilanti Michigan, the daughter of George and Mary Dressell.  Betty attended Mackenzie High School in Detroit, where she met her late husband Charles (Chuck) Bayless in 1941.  She graduated in 1943 and went on to attend Boroughs Business School.

Betty married Chuck, the love of her life and husband of 70 years in 1944.  She held various secretarial and administrative assistant positions over the course of her career.  She also was a member of the Make Way For Youth Chorus on WJR radio as well as a member of a smaller quartet that sang songs and commercials.

Betty was on the board of PCLA for many years and held the position of Secretary for eight years.  She was a contributing member of The Little Traverse Conservancy, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council and the Inland Water Route Historical Society.  She was also a member of the “Bliss Bunch”, a group of women sewers and quilters.

Betty was a warm, kind and compassionate person, full of wisdom and always there to lend advice about life.  She was a great wife, mom, grandma, and GG to many.  The door was always open at her house to strangers and friends alike.  She was never too busy for company.  She had the unique ability to make everyone feel special no matter what age.  Betty was a familiar sight zipping around the neighborhood on her golf cart, often with grandchildren or great grandchildren riding along side or helping to steer, stopping to chat with anyone along the way.

She is survived by her four children, Charles R. (Judy) Bayless of Potterville, Susan D. Bayless of Dearborn Heights, Kathy L. Karenko of Alanson and Karen B. Plasencia (Daniel) of Alanson; her adopted son Edward Timothy Welcer; six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.  Friends and family wishing to make a charitable donation in her memory are asked to consider Hiland Cottage Hospice House (in memory of Betty Bayless), 1 Hiland Dr., Petoskey MI  49770.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com