Betty Jane McDowell

Betty Jane McDowell, 97, of Benton Harbor, MI, passed away Monday, November 9, 2015 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law.  Per the request of Betty’s family cremation has taken place and no service has been scheduled.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services in St. Joseph.  Memorials in Betty’s name may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory of Betty online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Betty was born May 3, 1918 in Kokomo, IN to Ross and Ruth Lamb.  After graduating High School, she attended St. Mary’s College.  Betty was a homemaker and talented seamstress.  For years, she made dance recital costumes for the St. Joseph Dance Studio.  She also loved animals and enjoyed watching deer, turkeys and other wildlife at her Bridgman home      Betty is survived by her daughter Bonnie (Martin) Dawson; grandsons Jeff Dawson and David Dawson; granddaughter Katherine (Dana) Rose; 2 great-grandchildren and 3 great great-grandchildren.  Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Ray McDowell; two sons, Ross McDowell and Mike McDowell; and one sister, Deloris Mawhinney.