Betty Ann Larson, 93, of Traverse City passed away on Friday January 20, 2017 at French Manor South surrounded by her loving family.

Betty was born in Indianapolis, IN, on December 2, 1923, to Emma and Edward Schultz. On September 23, 1943, she married her high school sweetheart, Paul Larson, who was then serving in the U.S. Army Air Corp.

After the war, Paul and Betty settled in Chicago where their three children were born. In 1955, Paul's work took them to Grand Rapids, MI where they lived for seven years, making many good friends. Then work took them again back to Chicago where they settled in the suburb of Clarendon Hills.

Betty was a dedicated homemaker, played the piano beautifully, filled her children's homes with needlepoint projects, loved her bridge playing and many other card and board games. She maintained family traditions long after Paul was gone and her daughters now wonder how the heck she did all that by herself! She and Paul loved spending every summer at their cottage on Long Lake in Benzie County and she enjoyed many winters in Bonita Beach, FL, with her many bridge playing buddies.

Betty volunteered for many years at Hinsdale Hospital outside Chicago and found it especially rewarding to work on arts and crafts projects with the children.

In 2007, Betty moved into Glen Eagle Retirement Community in Traverse City, to be near her daughters and to "retire" from shopping and cooking. She thoroughly enjoyed her stay there, the good friends she made and the care and attention she received. Betty always made good friends wherever she went. The family wants to express special thanks to the staff at Glen Eagle, Comfort Keepers, the Infusion Clinic, the staff at French Manor South and most recently Hospice of Michigan.

Betty is survived by her daughters Carol (Gwen Sanford) Larson, Susan (Richard) Higgins, both of Traverse City; nephew, Capt. Gregg (Nina) Jackson of Arnold, MD; grandchildren, Kathy (Lupe) Sanford-Garcia, Paula Sanford, Theresa (Marie Clyatt) Larson, Sarah (fiancé Tim Kolndorfer) Higgins, Patrick (Becky) Higgins, Erin (Chris) Sexton, Ryan Higgins, Kevin (Kate) Higgins; and eleven great grandchildren.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband Paul in 1985 and their son Bruce in 2003.

A Memorial Service will take place at 11am on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a visitation beginning at 10am. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Betty's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .