Betty Jean Wallace

Betty Jean (Ferguson) Wallace, 99 of Williamsburg, Michigan, passed away January 7, 2025 at Autumn House in Williamsburg. Betty was born December 27, 1925 in Southport, Indiana, the daughter of Ray and Gwendolyn (Gray) Ferguson. She graduated from Southport High School in 1944 and Butler University in 1948. Betty married Floyd “Doug” Wallace Jr. July 31, 1948 in Southport. At Butler, Betty was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority (Tri-Delt). After graduation, she served in various chapter advisory capacities, including District President working with five university chapters in Indiana. Betty devoted much of her time to volunteering with the American Red Cross, the Indianapolis Veterans’ Hospital, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, the local parent-teacher organization and school planning committee, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Traverse City Symphony office, the Denos Museum, and the Traverse Area District Library. Betty also held jobs in the Butler University Library, the accounting department at General Motors Allison Division, and the library at Brebeuf Preparatory School in Indianapolis. Betty and Doug vacationed on Elk Lake most of their married life. They moved to Traverse City in 1981 and moved to Autumn House (formerly Hope Village and Samaritas) in 2017. She and Doug frequently wintered in Venice, Florida. Betty was devoted to flower and vegetable gardening. She enjoyed bird watching, cooking, reading, and music. She frequently attended the Traverse Symphony Orchestra and Interlochen Arts Academy performances. Betty was active in Southport Baptist Church, North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis where she taught Sunday School, the Presbyterian Church in Traverse City, the Presbyterian Church in Venice, Florida where she was an affiliate member, the Grand Traverse Audubon Club, and the Friendly Garden Club. Betty enjoyed participating in all sorts of activities at Autumn House. She and Doug were dedicated college basketball fans. They greeted each new season with anticipation and more than a little sadness when the Final Four was over. Betty was preceded in death by her father of Venice, Florida and her mother of Traverse City. She is survived by her husband Doug, son James (Linda) Wallace of Wheaton, Illinois, daughter Janet (Michael) Toscano, of Elk Rapids, Michigan, grandchildren Daniel Wallace of Wheaton, Illinois, James (Catherine) Wallace of Lombard, Illinois, Angela (Bryan) Young of Winfield, Illinois, Jennifer (Joseph) Granning of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and five great-grandchildren. Betty’s ashes will be committed to the prayer garden at the Presbyterian Church in Traverse City in a private ceremony. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM February 16 at Autumn House. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City or Traverse Area District Library services for the handicapped and blind.

Betty Jean Wallace

December 27, 1925 - January 7, 2025