HULLIBERGER (Stauffer)—Elizabeth “Betty” Fuller Hulliberger, of Lake Odessa, Michigan, aged 96, was rewarded with her home in heaven early Sunday morning, February 10, 2008.
Betty was born in Caledonia, MI, on June 6, 1911, to Owen and Hattie (Fuller) Stauffer. She was the oldest of nine children that also included Blanche, Elsie, Donald, David, Harriett, Mary, John “Jack”, and Alice. Betty was united in marriage to Orley K. Hulliberger on December 6, 1931 at the United Brethren Church parsonage in Freeport, MI. Orley preceded her in death on September 11, 1979 after 48 years of marriage.
Betty still resided in the farm home she and Orley purchased in 1944 when they moved to Lake Odessa from Lansing. Betty is survived by her beloved family, daughter Lorraine (Marvin) Stuart of Leonidas, MI, and their family, Suzanne Gibbs, James, Mark, and Stephen Stuart and 11 grandchildren, and two great grandsons; daughter Norma Lathrop of Wasilla, AK and her family, Beth Winter and Anna, Cathy, Rebekah, and Ben and Sarah, of Palmer AK, and Daniel and Brianna Lathrop of Wasilla, AK; and daughter Marcia (Don) Hofstra of Anchorage, AK and their family, Jane and Dale Ruckman and children, Jasmine, Harley, Ciera and Dustin of Unalaska, AK, and Jeanne and Phil Postma and their children, Sabriah, Jordan, Ellyana, and Isaiah of Middleville, MI; sisters and brothers, David (Millie) Stauffer, Harriett Steinfort, Mary (Ed) Good, and Jack (Colleen) Stauffer; brother-in-law, Ralph Lang; and many more loving relatives.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Orley; grandson, Jon Hofstra; and sisters and brothers and their spouses, Blanche, Elsie (Lavern), Donald (Lois), and Alice; brother-in-law, Jerry Steinfort; and sons-in-law, Paul L. Shellenbarger and Robert H. Lathrop.
Betty was a homemaker who loved gardening and quilting for her family and for the Navajo people. Betty had been a member of the Lake Odessa Grace Brethren Church for more than 60 years. She leaves a host of friends and church family who loved and cared for her over the past several years.
Betty had served as the church secretary for many years and had been a faithful and dedicated Sunday School teacher for most of her life until ill health and advancing years slowed her down. She had also made sure that many children always had a ride to church, and her lady friends always knew that that could count on her for transportation to church functions until her driving days finally ended at the age of 90.
Betty had been a committed Christian her entire life and delighted in reading through her Bible each year faithfully since 1970. She had been a prayer warrior for her family, church and missionaries around the world. Betty loved her Lord and served Him, and now is rewarded with a home in heaven.
The funeral service was to be held at 11:00 AM today, Monday, February 18 at the Lake Odessa Grace Brethren Church (2720 Vedder Rd. Lake Odessa MI 48849). Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa.
The family has suggested that memorial contributions may be made to Pastor Tully Butler’s Cedar Hill Church in New Mexico which supports the Navajo Radio Ministry, where Betty’s daughter Norma and her husband Robert Lathrop served for more than 30 years.