Betty Marie Bechill (Laws), 84 years old of Prudenville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at the Crawford Continuing Care Center in Grayling.
Betty was born to Ivan (IJ) Jennings and Marie (Turner) Laws on May 4, 1939, at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor, Michigan joining her 12-year old big brother Norman Gene Laws.
Betty was a graduate of Detroit High School and Michigan State University, where she graduated with a degree in Physical Education and minored in Home Economics. She was a member of the Michigan State Dance team and a die-hard Spartan fan. You would find her on almost any occasion sporting her green!
Introduced by her brother, Betty married “the love of her life” Ronald E. Bechill on August 17, 1963, at the Mayflower Congregational Church in Detroit. They were happily married 56 years and are reunited once again.
A proud mother of three children, Robert Jennings Bechill, Kathy Anne Wyckoff, Patricia Marie Bechill, she taught them the true meaning of compassion, love, patience, creativity, and of course…good sportsmanship. Three of the most important things were that of which she took from her parents; (1) Be kind to others, (2) Always try to do your best, and (3) Love Jesus.
Betty was an educator of 50 years and began her teaching career in Royal Oak. She taught at the Houghton Lake Community Schools since 1979 and previously at Kimball High School in Royal Oak, Michigan. Betty began working for the Houghton Lake Community Schools as an 8th grade Health teacher and later at Prudenville Elementary as the Physical Education teacher, where she retired many years later. Missing her students, she continued to substitute teach for all grade levels into her retirement years. Betty was adored by so many. There was never a trip to a store without little voices yelling “Mrs. Bechill” and hugs soon to follow. Even the care she received while at Crawford was given by some of whom she taught over the years, and they sure remembered her. It had to be her contagious smile!
Betty loved all things “Sporty”. If she didn’t know how to do it or play it, she would learn it and then teach you. She held the same level of care when it came to playing games, especially card games. And boy was she good. She had a true passion for crafting, sewing, quilting, card making, and anything else she put her mind to. She was extremely gifted and enjoyed making things for others. Those items being even more precious in those of the beholder.
Her and Ron were active members of the United Methodist Church in Houghton Lake and spent Sundays as ushers/greeters. They also enjoyed time in the church kitchen making pasties and socializing with the many friends they had acquired over the years.
Betty is survived by her children Kathy Anne Wyckoff (John Wyckoff) and Patricia Marie Bechill (John Fyolek). Eight Grandchildren, Alexis Marie Keppler (Phil), Layken Ashlee Bechill, Brent Jennings Bechill (Mariah), John Tanner Fyolek (Carolina), Ty Jensen Bechill, Taryn Alyse Wyckoff, Carlie Schae Bechill and Carter Jennings Wyckoff and three Great Grandchildren Evelyn (Evey) Grace Bechill, Molly Mae Bechill and Wren Reiann Keppler. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ronald E. Bechill, son Robert (Bob, Bobby) Jennings Bechill, parents Ira (Ivan) Jennings Laws and Marie (Turner) Laws, in-laws Chester Erie and Anne (McCallum) Bechill, brother Dr. Norman G. Laws and brother-in-law Dr. Verne C. Bechill.
Our appreciation to our extended family at Crawford Continuing Care Center for their love, support and encouragement during her time with you. Arrangements have been made with Christler Funeral Home-Prudenville Chapel and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
