TRAVERSE CITY – Betty Marie Hentschel, 89, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Munson Medical Center. Betty was born August 7, 1924 in Traverse City to the late Clarence and Sylvia (St. John) Mackey. She was married to her husband of 64 years, Thomas J. Hentschel on December 28, 1942 in Traverse City. He preceded her in death on October 13, 2007. Together they raised five children.

Betty and Thomas were co-owners of Hentschel Amusements, traveling as a family throughout Michigan to festivals and county fairs. She was a bus driver for Traverse City Public Schools for over 20 years. Betty was a wonderful cook she catered many weddings and baked many wedding cakes and birthday cakes for her family. She loved to camp and was a member of Good Sam Club #39 for many years. Betty enjoyed sewing, knitting and quilting, over the years she has made a quilt for every one of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, as well as others. Every Tuesday Betty would meet at the "Gathering Place" in Honor for lunch and music. She was also a member of the "Betty Club". Spending time with family and friends is when Betty was the happiest, playing cards or having a guest stop in for a bite to eat.

Betty is survived by her children; John (Bonnie) Hentschel, Dianna Ealy, Nancy (Don) Draper and Melanie Hulett; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are dear in-laws; Keith and Pauline Acschliman, Jane Hentschel, Phyllis Loucks, Joy Mackey, Caroline Hentschel, Rosie Mackey and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Hentschel, a great-granddaughter, Amber Hentschel, two sisters and their spouse; Arlene (Marshall) Thompson and Dora (Leroy) Hentschel, also two brothers; Russell Mackey and Kenneth Mackey.

A memorial service honoring Betty will be held at a later date.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Cherryland V.F.W. Post 2780.

Please share your thoughts and memories with Betty's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.