Betty McQuiston

Betty Mae (Somers) McQuiston, age 95, of Elsie, MI, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI, at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, with Chris Radcliffe officiating. For those unable to attend, the funeral service will be live streamed on Smith Family Funeral Homes Facebook page. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 1, 2021 from 6-8 P.M. and on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.

Betty was born in Chapin Township, Michigan on January 15, 1926, the daughter of Fay Marion and Dorothy Ellen (Miller) Somers. She graduated from Elsie High School with the class of 1943. Betty worked at the Chapin Telephone Office as the operator. Clifford John McQuiston regularly paid his phone bill, that's where they met and he courted her until they were married on January 21, 1956. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before Clifford's passing on March 5, 2006.

Betty grew up during the Depression. She worked on the electric motor assembly line in Owosso supporting the WWII effort. Betty spent many years as a farmer’s wife assisting in running their dairy farm along side her husband. Betty worked at the Ashley Nursing home for 28 years as a nurse’s aid. Betty and Clifford spent winters in St. Cloud, Florida, where they enjoyed interacting with family and friends. She was very artistic and crafty; she enjoyed sewing, crocheting and painting. She also liked reading, baking, gardening, canning, and playing games. Betty loved to watch the Detroit Tigers and MSU sports. She also loved supporting her children in their schooling and sporting events, always making sure they could participate. Betty loved the Lord, was a devoted Christian and an ambassador of God who selflessly contributed to many Christian Organizations in need. She loved her family very much and looked forward to time spent with them. Betty was a member of the Chapin United Methodist Church, the Chapin United Methodist Women, held various positions and she also played piano for the church for many years.

She is survived by her children: Rebecca Faye (Glover) Bannerman, Karen Sue (Glover) Louchart and Larry Brooks, Clifford James (Jim) and Joyce McQuiston, Joleen Ann McQuiston, Marilou Kay (McQuiston) and Terry Ayers, Katrina Marie (McQuiston) and Archie Johnson, Gerald (Jerry) Roger McQuiston, 19 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Clifford, one sister Francis Jones, and brother George Somers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Chapin United Methodist Church or Youth Haven. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.