Betty Jean Stachnik

After 94 beautiful years, Betty Jean Stachnik of Maple City, Michigan, passed away on December 28, 2024. With a heart full of love and a life well-lived, Betty was ready to leave her home and enter eternal rest to join her beloved husband of 66 years, Larry. Betty was born on September 21, 1930, the daughter of the late Frank and Agnes (Watkowski) Zientek. On July 5, 1949, she married the love of her life, Larry Stachnik, at St. Rita-St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maple City. After a brief time living in Detroit, Betty and Larry returned to their cherished hometown of Maple City where they built a life filled with love, faith, and family. Together they raised three children: Linda Marie, Sherry Ann, and David Lawrence. Betty found joy in the simple but profound blessings of life. She loved baking bread, preserving the harvest from her garden, and preparing meals— with the goal of bringing her family together for special gatherings. Betty could often be found by Larry’s side in the garden or helping develop their land on Lime Lake, where they created a special haven for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to gather and make cherished memories for years to come. For Betty, family was everything. Affectionately known by her great grandchildren as Busha, she embraced every milestone with pride and deeply valued the moments when everyone came together for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or to simply visit and enjoy each other’s laughter and company. Betty also served her community, serving as the Elementary School Secretary at Glen Lake Community Schools for over 15 years. Her kindness, patience, and warm spirit touched countless lives during her time there. Betty is survived by her children, Linda (Tom) Shimek, Sherry (Kip) Cantrick, and David (Tracy) Stachnik; her five grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother, Don (Dar) Zientek, and her sister, Shirley Lawson. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, her brothers and their wives, Ed (Lorraine), Bob (Carol), and brother-in-law, Larry Lawson. The family will greet friends and relatives on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 5 until 7 p.m. at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City, with the recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 3, at St. Philip Neri Church in Empire. Visitation will begin prior to the Mass at 10:00. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Rita-St. Joseph Cemetery in Maple City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be directed to the Cedar Area Fire & Rescue Department, St. Philip Neri Building Fund, or the Empire Food Pantry. Betty’s life was a testament to the power of love, family and faith. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Betty Jean Stachnik

September 21, 1930 - December 28, 2024