Betty Jean Bandt

Betty Jean Bandt, 83, of Muskegon, passed away on May 6, 2026, at The Brook of Newaygo.

Born in Muskegon, MI on March 16, 1943, to Roy and Edna (Clark) Perysian, Betty was a devoted mother who raised her three children on her own with strength, humor, and love. She worked hard throughout her life-starting as a waitress at local favorites including the Puritan Restaurant and her Aunt Lucy's Mexican restaurant, then moving into retail at J.C. Penney on Henry Street, and later building a career in manufacturing with Stanco in Grand Haven before retiring from Haworth in 2001.

Betty returned to school and proudly earned her high school diploma in 1978 through Adult Education. She loved learning and doing with her hands-taking auto mechanics classes, sewing square-dance outfits, crocheting, and becoming an accomplished cake decorator who made beautiful multi-tier wedding cakes. She had a lifelong love of horses, "cowboys and Indians," animals, and joyful treasure hunting at estate and yard sales. A longtime member of the VFW Post 446 Ladies' Auxiliary beginning in 1967, she was also an avid fan of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings and rarely missed cheering on family sporting events.

Betty is survived by her children, Virginia (Mike) McGowan, Lynn Marie Dykema, and James Bandt Jr.; grandchildren, Paul Hotchkiss, David (Jessica) Hotchkiss, and Sarah Marie (Justin) Flores; great-grandchildren, Brenden Hotchkiss; Kirsten, Kyia, and Skyler; Logan, Ray Lynn, and Kason; and extended family, including her sister Linda Rodriguez and Aunt Francis Rodriguez. She was preceded in death by her parents and by many half brothers and sisters.

In keeping with Betty's wishes, cremation has taken place. Interment of ashes will be at Elbridge Cemetery in the Perysian family section near Hart, Michigan, beside her father. The family will celebrate her life at a later date.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at The Brook of Newaygo for their compassion and support. Please share memories and photos of Betty at the www.clockfuneralhome.com