Obituary: Betty Flewelling, 78, Ludington.

Betty Flewelling.

Betty Lou (Hughes) Flewelling, 78, passed from this life to eternal joy on February 12, 2016 at Spectrum-Blodgett Hospital of Grand Rapids, following a brief illness.  She was surrounded by her family, who will always cherish her limitless love as a Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Sister.  Betty was the wife of the late Reginald E. Flewilling.

Betty was the first born of two children, born to Arnold and Mary (Avra) Hughes, on April 23, 1937, in Eaton, Ohio.  During her school years she was a cheerleader, graduating from Eaton High School.  In later years, after the passing of her father and remarriage of her mother to William Griffith, the family moved to Ludington.

Reginald E. Flewelling and Betty Lou Hughes were married on September 26, 1956 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ludington.  Throughout the years, Betty was employed at the Plating Company, Watchcase, Gibbs Country House Restaurant and the Hamlin Grocery.  She was employed by Harold and Alice Gibbs for 30 years.  Betty acquired the position as head cook and was very much respected by her peers.  Cooking was one of the joys of Betty’s life.  It was a wonderful talent which enabled her to share with so many others. Upon retiring from the Country House, Betty worked for her son Vaughn in the Hamlin Grocery deli.

Betty enjoyed preparing meals and gatherings for her family and extended families.  When relatives and friends visited from out of town, Betty would welcome them with her generous hospitality.  She always looked forward to the monthly luncheons celebrating with dear friends and neighbors.

Betty’s hobbies included sewing; each birth of a new grandchild or great-grandchild was gifted with a keepsake blanket made with love.  She also enjoyed gardening and attending her families sporting events, recitals etc…  Her presence was always known by her swill whistles, cheers and prayers.

She attended Trinity Evangelical Free Church.  Betty will always be remembered by her devotion for the Lord, her biblical knowledge and her infectious, bubbly personality; which touched so many.

Betty was a beloved mother to children: Heather (Greg) Hoppe, Jamie (Jennifer) Flewelling, Vaughn Flewelling, Amy (John) Wicklund, Reggie (Ellen) Flewelling and Johnaine (Tom) Gurzysnski.  She was blessed with 16 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  She is survived by her sister Becky (James) Petersen of Branson Missouri, brother Danny (Kathy) Griffith of Ludington and brother-in-law Harold Lovewell of Ludington, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

As Betty joins her husband Reginald E. Flewelling, she is also proceeded in death by her parents and beloved sister Shirley Lovewell.

Services for Betty will be conducted at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 1 p.m.  Visitations will take place on Wednesday, February 17 from 5 – 8 p.m. and Thursday from noon to 1 p.m., with Gary Ridley and James Petersen officiating.  There will be a Luncheon following the service.  A private family burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery of Ludington.

Memorial contributions may be addressed to Amy Wicklund at 410 6th Street, Ludington, MI 49431.  Donations will be forwarded to the Missions in Africa in care of Jim and Becky Petersen, (sister and brother-in-law) as well as Logan and Shannon Nash, (Niece and Nephew).

Special thanks to the staff at Spectrum Health of Ludington and Blodgett of Grand Rapids hospitals, for their loving care of Betty.

Please feel free to share a memory or photo of Betty at the Book of Memories page at www.oakgrovefh.com .