Kathleen J. “Kay” (Betten) Westbrook
Class of 1948

(10/12/1930 - 2/21/2009)

Kathleen J. “Kay” (Betten) Westbrook, 78, of Fremont, was called home to be with Jesus on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 at her home.

Kay was born on Oct. 12, 1930 in Fremont to John and Grace A. (Roelofs) Betten, and had been a lifelong resident of the Fremont area. Kay graduated from Fremont High School in 1948 and married Clyde Westbrook on July 2, 1948 in Fremont. Clyde preceded her in death on June 25, 2004. Kay was the happiest when she was working; as a caregiver and in the emergency services department at Newaygo County Community Services in Fremont until her retirement. Kay was a long time member of the Church of the Living Christ in Fremont, and touched many lives while living her life in a Christian manner. Kay was well known for her bread and cinnamon rolls on Saturday mornings, enjoyed flower gardening, and knitting and crocheting. Kay enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kay’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Judy Pykonen, a dear family friend and compassionate nurse during Kay’s illness.

She is survived by her children, Linda (Clair) Shively of White Cloud, Vicki (Jeff) Hamill of Fremont, Greg (Mary Beth) Westbrook of Grand Haven, Barbara Tanis of Newaygo, Sharon (Larry) Cook of Fremont, and Shelley (Steve) Mitchell of Muskegon; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Bernadine Boeskool of Fremont, Barbara Betten of Fremont, Grace (Morey) Racey of Fremont, and Marcia (Ken) VanKampen of Wayland; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Harriet McCann on Dec. 11, 2008; by her brothers, Joseph Betten and Johnny Betten; her son-in-law, Terry Cook; and by her grandson, Joseph Mitchell.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Church of the Living Christ in Fremont, with Rev. Nate DeWard presiding, with interment in Maple Grove Cemetery. Friends may consider memorial contributions to Church of the Living Christ, Family Health Care, or Hospice of Michigan for contributions in memory of Kay. Friends may also send a condolence or share a memory with the Westbrook family online at http://www.crandellfh.com/obituaries/Westbrook%20Kay.htm. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home - Fremont Chapel.

2/25/2009 Times Indicator Article (p. 15) Times Indicator
Fremont High School Alumni News