Betty Sheely

Betty Sheely was a passionate, caring, determined woman who dedicated her life to helping others. She had an immensely generous and selfless spirit and loved to give of her time and talents. Betty overcame many challenges in her life and successfully raised a wonderful family as well as contributed countless hours to her community. Armed with little more than instinctive empathy and a big heart, Betty left the world a more beautiful, loving place than she found it.

1938 was a year of events and accomplishments in the United States. President Roosevelt signed the Fair Standards Act, which raised the minimum wage to 25 cents an hour, while Americans everywhere enjoyed watching the film version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, and shook in terror while listening to Orson Welles’ broadcast of War of the Worlds on the radio. In the quiet village of Vicksburg, Michigan, an event of no less importance was taking place. On December 27, 1938, Leon and Hazel (Selner) Rishel welcomed the birth of a daughter, Betty, the fourth of their twelve children.

Betty spent her growing up years in the close-knit community of Vicksburg on their family farm. She grew up with an appreciation for hard work, a trait she utilized her entire life. Betty received her education in the area schools, and then went to work as a waitress in town. Soon after, Betty married and was blessed with four wonderful children: Marty, Clark, Marcina “Marcy” and Adonya “Doni.” Later on, as difficult as it was for her being a single parent, her children gave her a positive focus in life and so much joy. She worked hard to provide for them, and held a variety of jobs over the years, some of which included Morren’s Poultry, Lee Paper, Tendercare Nursing Home and Christine’s Flowers. The flower shop was by far her favorite place to work and the most rewarding.

Besides passing on her strong work ethic to her children, Betty also taught them how to cook from scratch, a skill they were very proud to have. And since Betty was such a great cook, who better to learn from! With a tremendous green thumb, Betty started gardening in order to help feed her family, but it eventually grew into a hobby that she loved. She would can and freeze much of the bounty from her garden; in fact, just a couple of months ago she canned almost 200 pints. Although times were hard for her family, Betty always generously shared whatever vegetables she could with others. Betty was not just a generous woman - she was giving to a fault. Her kindness, in all its forms, touched people’s hearts and encouraged them to better their own lives. Betty didn’t just share her love and generosity with mankind though; she had a soft spot for animals and loved being outdoors watching wildlife and feeding squirrels and birds, especially Cardinals which were her favorite.

In the late 1980s, Betty was introduced to Ronald Sheely through her daughter Doni, and it wasn’t long before the two were hopelessly in love. They were happily married on June 6, 1987, and shared the next 20+ years together, as best friends as well as husband and wife. From the start, Betty and Ron had much in common, including their selfless need to help those less fortunate. Ron joined Betty's journey in helping others and together, they organized and ran many benefits in their community for those in need, donating all their time and resources. If it was up to Betty, not one person would go hungry, and every cupboard would be full of food. She was also a member of a Yahtzee Club and this group organized and put together holiday baskets each year.

Betty’s energy and generosity seemed limitless. But her greatest strength came from her strong faith and the power of prayer. She was said to be a “prayer warrior” and it was not unusual for people to call Betty and ask her to pray for them; and without delay, she started a prayer chain. Because of her unwavering commitment and love for her fellow man and for those of the animal kingdom too, Betty was described as having a “Servant’s Heart” – something that everyone around her could not help but admire. Looking back at the life Betty led lends an even greater appreciation to her presence in the world, a presence her family and friends will remember for the rest of their lives. Even though she was very frail at times, her unwavering strength would amaze others. She was often referred to as the "energizer bunny". She just kept going and going!

Betty’s health began to fail about 4 years ago and she died at Bronson Methodist Hospital on Thursday, November 20, 2008, at the age of 69. Visit with her family and friends, view her life story film and share light refreshments on Sunday, November 23, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Monday, November 24, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main Street (649-1697). A funeral will be held on Monday at 1:00 p.m. at the same location.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings: Wilma Delbridge, Shirley Mesick, Benjamin Rishel, Beverly Alger, Harry Dalton, and Geneva Alger. Her family includes her husband, Ronald Sheely; children: Marty (Teresa) O’Brien, Clark O’Brien, Marcina “Marcy” (Alan) Wegeler, Adonya “Doni” (Dane) Anderson; her stepsons: Keith Sheely, Michael Sheely, Anthony Sheely and Terry White; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her siblings: Thomas (Ester) Rishel, Edmund Rishel, Jeanette (Wes) Crawford, Patricia Rishel, Roger (Barb) Rishel, Linda (Garrett) Miller; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. Please visit Betty’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with her family or sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to South County Community Services c/o the Pantry to help stock the food pantry to help feed the hungry.