Betty Lou (Newman) Brown

Betty Lou Brown, age 92, of Grand Haven, MI, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Grand Haven. She was born on May 28, 1933, in Moorcroft, Wyoming, to the late William and Margaret (Clay) Newman. Betty married Melvin Brown in November of 1995. He preceded her in death on June 11, 2025.

Betty lived on a homestead with her family. Later in her childhood, she and her family moved to a farm in Plainwell, MI, where she attended and graduated from Plainwell High School. In 1960, Betty moved to the Spring Lake/Grand Haven area. While raising three children, she was employed in banking, and later, with the City of Grand Haven.

Betty loved the beach and going camping. On summer weekends after work, she would pack up the kids and go camping on Lake Leelanau in Northern Michigan. As time passed, and her children moved on, she found a passion for vacationing in Acapulco, Mexico, where she met and became lifelong friends with the residents of the area and people from Canada.

Betty was fortunate to enjoy many years of retirement with her husband, Mel. They traveled the world and loved cruising the seas. She missed him terribly for the short period of time between their passings.

Betty will be lovingly remembered and missed by her family and friends, especially her grandchildren, who would tell you she was the best grandma you could ever have. She was a caregiver to her mother, younger sister, and her daughter Michele when they were ill, always willing to put others before herself.

Betty is survived by her son, Mike Wing; her daughter, Cherie (Joe) Reiss; stepsons: Kevin (Dawn) Brown, Danny Bailey, and Mike Bailey; sister, Mable Smith; three granddaughters: Amber (Jeff) Troupe, Jessica (Pat) Clover, and Ali (Jared) Palmer; six grandsons: Chris Reiss, Luke (Katie) Wing, Geoff Saunders, Nat (Laurel) Saunders, Brandon Bailey, and Alex (Kristen) Brown; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and her nephew and close friend, Dan (Shelley) Burns.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Brown; daughter, Michele Ewing; her grandson, Jason Bailey; and three sisters: Jean Butler, Wyoma Schuyler, and Barbara Button.

A Celebration of Betty's Life will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Optimal Care Hospice.

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