Betty Lou Dill

Betty Lou Dill graced the lives of those she loved with her uncanny ways and fun loving personality. She had the ability to bring a smile to the faces of everyone in her presence and although a straight forward lady, Betty knew what was important in life and embraced it with her whole heart. She will be sadly missed by her family and many friends. Born in Muskegon, Michigan on May 1, 1948, Betty Lou was the second of eventually six girls born to Gerald and Shirley (Royce) Steinman. Bettys father, a recent World War II Veteran, provided for his family as a crane operator while her mother worked as a nurse and laborer at one of the local foundries. The end of the war brought much prosperity to the area as industry and manufacturing was at an all time high. Known as the greatest generation, Americans came through the Great Depression and succeeded through another world war and now it was time to begin anew. Growing up with five sisters could be quite a challenge in the Steinman household as Betty and her sisters attended the local schools. She cherished childhood days traveling with her Grandma and Grandpa Lacey, picking blueberries with her sisters and as she grew older, playing moonlight bowling. Betty especially loved going to school dances and after endless hours spent preparing, she and her special longtime friend Mary Alviar always shared an enjoyable time there just as they did anytime they were together. Although Betty did not graduate with her class she was determined to get her education and in 1984 received her GED. Once married, Betty was blessed with sons Danny Joe and Robert Lee. When her marriage ended in divorce, Betty set out as a young single mother to make a way for herself and her boys. She strived to provide security and stability for them and it was while working at Terry Lees Convenience Store that Bettys life would be forever changed. Douglas Dill, Bettys boss and the store owner had his eye on Betty in more ways than one. All it took was for Doug to hear Bettys infectious laugh and he was head over heels. But the attraction was quite mutual and in time a romance soon developed. Married on July 26, 1985 in Fruitport, Michigan, they were overjoyed in their new life together and it was then that Betty took over as boss! Along with her sons Betty was also a supportive, caring and loving mother to Dougs two daughters. Her family was important to her and she made sure they did everything together. Involved in the lives of her children, she supported them in their endeavors and as long as she knew where they were and who they were with, she was okay. True soul mates, Betty and Doug thoroughly enjoyed working together and over the years enjoyed going to the casinos and traveling. Betty always said the greatest day of her life was the day she met Doug and they simply loved every minute they had in one anothers company. When they eventually closed the store Betty went to work as a machinist at Weyburn-Bartel Incorporated (Asimco). She remained there over the next 20 years until she retired in 2007 when the plant closed. Retirement years for Betty and Doug meant more time traveling taking in the sights and boating. It also meant more time for Betty to devote to her love of flower gardening. An avid bird feeder, Betty found joy feeding the chipmunks and rabbits as well. She loved spending days around her yard enjoying her garden and pool area where she took in the calming sounds of the wind chimes on her deck. Always well tanned, she always enjoyed a day at the beach, especially when the kids were growing up. She rooted for Tigers baseball and with her competitive nature, she was also an avid bingo player. Betty made delicious meals for her family over the years and they always enjoyed her baking skills too. Along with her beloved and extensive Betty Boop collection, Betty also had a love for jewelry and Doug always encouraged her to lean towards quality. Faithful customers at Zales Jewelers, Betty was one of their favorite customers. In fact, they even knew her by name and would actually call about upcoming sales and promotions she could take advantage of! There was no end to Bettys joy when grandchildren came along. She loved them dearly and always enjoyed going to their sporting events and motor cross competitions. Her kids and grandkids always knew Betty to be humming a tune or two, especially to the sounds of the oldies and while in the car. Another joy in Bettys life was her dog Mickey who was a faithful companion for many years. Betty could bring smiles to the faces of her family easily with her zany and fun loving ways. A memorable time was enjoyed by Betty and Doug when they traveled to Florida to visit with longtime friend Mary and later swimming with the dolphins at the Keys. Betty absolutely loved them. Betty loved the excitement of the casinos and recently she and her sister made a trip north to the casino for a good game of poker, and Betty could play with the best of them. There was the time that Betty won $1,000 at the casino but did not tell anyone for quite some time. Beautiful from the inside out, Betty Lou Dill was a blessing to all those who knew and loved her. She was a joy to be around and will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. Mrs. Betty Lou (Steinman-Alviar) Dill of Fruitport, age 61, died on Saturday, September 19, 2009. She is survived by her husband, Douglas; sons, Danny Joe Alviar of Muskegon and Robert Lee (Barb) Alviar of Fruitport; stepdaughters, Denise Lynn Dill of Fruitport and Jolene Marie Jones of Florida; seven grandchildren; her sisters, Judy (Don) Ladegast of Muskegon, Margaret (Carol) Steinman of Arizona, Geraldine (Donald) Stone and Cindy (Sonny) Pickard, both of Muskegon; brother-in-law, Joe Taskey; special friend, Mary Alviar. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Sheila Taskey and granddaughter, Danielle Alviar. A memorial service to celebrate Bettys life will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2009, 11:00 AM at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Pastor Frank Zenobia officiating. Visitation with her family will take place one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign her online guest book.