Betty Green

Betty Marie (Ryon) (Hibbard) Green, 88, of Traverse City, passed away on June 7, 2016 at home. Betty was born on Sept. 24, 1927 in Traverse City to Frank and Gladys (Leach) Ryon. Betty graduated in 1945 from Traverse City High School. She married William Hibbard on Jan. 21, 1947. Together they had three children. Betty later married Lawrence Green on Nov. 19, 1982. In her early years, Betty was a stenographer, then a mother and homemaker. During those years she enjoyed trips to the family cottage on Spider Lake, fishing, ice skating and berry and mushroom picking with her children. When her children were older, Betty worked at Traverse City Senior High School and in retail clothing sales. She was an expert bowler and competed in national bowling tournaments across the U.S. She loved adventure and traveled to Panama, Bermuda, Baha Mexico, the U.S. east coast from Maine to Florida, the west coast, Hawaii and other states. In her later years, Betty worked in the printing industry, enjoyed golf, volunteering many years at the Michigan Open. She also served as an election poll worker. Betty was a member of the Grand Traverse Audubon Club and the Traverse City Elks Lodge. Betty lived more than she dreamed possible as a child of humble circumstances. Life's troubles were accepted with grit, tenacity, and perseverance. Her goodness and grace were defined by deeds and friendships. Betty was predeceased by her parents; both husbands; brother, Barry (Pat Ryon who survives); and sister, Barbara Kendall. Betty is survived by daughters, Kathleen (Dale Schneider) Hibbard, Vickie (Willis) Hanks and son, Kevin (Laura) Hibbard; three grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brother, Bennis (Mary) Ryon; sister, Bonnie (John) Hentschel; and many nieces and nephews. An Elks Memorial Service honoring Betty will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, 2016 at the Elks Lodge, 625 Bay St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Light refreshments will follow. Please consider donations to Munson Hospice or the Elks Foundation of your choice in her memory. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Betty Green

September 24, 1927 - June 7, 2016