Betty R. Joslin

Betty R Joslin, 94, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8, 2014 with her family at her side in Traverse City.

Betty Jean Randall was born on February 16, 1920 in Lansing MI, to Dr. & Mrs. (Clara) O. M. Randall.

Betty was a proud graduate of Lansing Eastern High School, where she was an honor student and played the clarinet, and Michigan State University, where she received her degree in Interior Design and was a member of Chi Omega sorority. .  She married Herbert E. Joslin on June 20, 1942 also in Lansing. In 1956, Betty and Herb with their three children, moved to Traverse City, when he purchased the local Chevrolet franchise.

Betty had many, many gifts and a gracious, humorous personality. She was a perfect hostess and loved to entertain. . She was the embodiment of a mother who focused on her children, grandchildren and family.  The daughter of a physician, she saw first-hand the value of compassion and integrity of helping others.. Betty's affinity for the medical arena began when she worked in his medical practice.

She was the "soccer mom" before the name was penned - every snow day taking turns with the other neighborhood Moms with a carload of boys to Hickory Hills, Holiday Hills or Timberlee. She loved and was very proud of the Sixth Street house. Many, many boys enjoyed playing there, including her grandchildren, right up to 1991. Her children enjoyed living across from the library and the delights of the Boardman river. She had many friends and good neighbors.


Betty was a member of Central United Methodist Church, where she served on the Altar Society, Lansing Country Club, Junior League of Lansing, St. Lawrence Hospital Guild, Michigan State Alumni, Traverse City Golf and Country Club and Traverse City Elks Lodge. She was recently honored for serving over 5000 volunteer hours at Munson Hospital, helping families who were waiting for their loved ones after surgery, and also worked in the Gift Shop. She was also active in the American Cancer Society for many decades and served as president. She and Herb were instrumental in raising funds for the YMCA, and for the building of new schools in Traverse City.

Her evolution from devoted wife to widow was difficult, but she evolved.  She loved her bridge games and was known throughout the Traverse City area as an expert bridge player. Her last bridge game was Saturday November 2, 2013. She played golf until her late 70's and loved to watch the tournaments and the Detroit Tigers.

Betty is survived by her family, sons Gary (Mary) Joslin and Herb Jr.; former daughter-in-law Amy Joslin, who remains a big part of the family; three grandchildren, Randy, Steve and Jessica; one great-grandchild all of Traverse City; sister Nancy VandenBerg of Panama City Beach, Fl, and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband Herb, daughter Gayle , brother Brooks Randall and sister Rosemary Reason.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In remembrance of Betty, memorial contributions may be directed to the Traverse City Junior Golf Association or the Traverse City History Center.