Betty was born in the spring of 1929 on April 3rd, in Palmyra, MI, the youngest of Frederick and Minnie (Hachman) Martolock’s four children. She graduated from Blissfield High School with the Class of 1947 and continued with her education at County Normal School and earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Siena Heights College. Betty taught in 2 different one room schoolhouses during her teaching career, with one being the Mitchell School located in Raisin Township.
It was during high school that Betty met her future husband, Philip Oliver Bowman. Their friendship grew and over time they both realized they had found their special someone. On June 7, 1952, they were united in marriage at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. For the next 49 years, Betty and Philip shared many memories while raising their 3 children and traveling throughout the United States before his death in 2001.
Betty was a warm and nurturing individual who made everyone feel special. She was a talented seamstress who could make anything she put her mind to; some of her specialties included wedding dresses, men’s suits and even swimsuits. Betty lived her Christian faith daily and she was a lifetime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. For many years she taught Sunday school class, lead Bible studies and often put her sewing skills to good work with church projects and quilts.
She is survived by her children, Lorraine Davis, Brian (Kaye) Bowman and Janet Rymers; grandchildren, Kristen Bowman, Ken (Katherine) Bowman, Greg MacBeth, Erin MacBeth and Katie Rymers; a great-granddaughter due this September; and special nieces, Jeannine Marks, Roberta Bailey and Roxanne Hess. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Philip; siblings, Harry Martolock, Dolores Swearingen, and Raymond Martolock; and son-in-law, Ed Rymers.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Blissfield, with Pastor Rick Hogan officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery in Blissfield. Visitation will take place on Friday, July 19, 2024 from 5 to 7 PM at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield and again one hour prior to the start of the service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Blissfield or Hospice of Lenawee. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com
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