Betty Jane Burkholz

Betty Jane Burkholz, 88, passed away peacefully at The Whitcomb in Saint Joseph, Michigan on September 14, 2013. Born on June 25, 1925, Betty was the daughter of Conrad and Martha (Demske) Burkholz. After graduating from Benton Harbor High School in 1943, Betty worked for 30 years at Michigan Bell’s business office located on Wall Street in Benton Harbor. She has been recognized as a longtime member of Telephone Pioneers of America established by AT&T for her outstanding years of service with Michigan Bell. When not working, Betty’s life focused on assisting her family and maintaining her immaculate home and yard. With the help of her brother Bob, a realtor, she bought land and built an attractive home in Fairplain which she shared for over 25 years with her eldest sister, Kathryn. Betty played an immeasurable role in the upbringing of her older sister’s, Carolyn Jean, five children. Betty enjoyed cooking and gardening which she shared with all of her family by graciously hosting Sunday dinners and holiday, birthday, and other celebrations. Betty resided at The Whitcomb for almost 12 years. Betty was known for her sweet disposition, a delightful sense of humor, her beautiful red hair, and the encouraging words she shared with fellow residents and her care professionals at The Whitcomb. Betty will be dearly missed by her remaining family, friends and the caring staff at The Whitcomb and Hospice at Home. She is survived by her sister Kathryn Burkholz of Saint Joseph, MI; nieces, Susan Burkholz of Benton Harbor, MI, Connie Bull of Brownsville, OR, Barb (Cliff) Reitzloff of Northville, MI; nephews, Bob (Pat), Chinick of Jupiter, FL, Don (Leslie) Chinick of Coral Springs, FL and Steve Chinick of Coral Springs, FL. She is also survived by three grand nieces; Carly and Alexandra Chinick, and Kelsey Reitzloff; and seven grand nephews, Michael and Alex Burkholz, Brett, Travis and A.J. Chinick, and Jake and Cody Reitzloff. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Carolyn Jean Chinick, brother, R.J. Burkholz, and nephew, Robert C. Burkholz. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 20, at 2:30 PM followed by a 3:00 PM Celebration of Life Service at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Road in Saint Joseph with Pastor Laurie Hartzell of the First Presbyterian Church in Benton Harbor officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society, Hospice at Home or The Whitcomb. Betty’s final resting place will be at Crystal Springs Cemetery in Benton Harbor.