Elizabeth "Betty" May

All who know Elizabeth Betty May would agree that she was one of the sweetest people around. She was never one to worry about measuring success according to the worlds standards, rather, it was her unwavering faith and the love she shared with her family that were her cause for feeling richly blessed. Betty was a loving wife and devoted mother who witnessed her family tree blossom to include not only children, but also grandchildren and great-grandchildren who filled her heart with abundant joy. With a life that spanned nearly a century, Betty created a brilliantly woven tapestry of memories that will remain a lasting treasure in the hearts of all who were within her reach. The year 1917 is often remembered as the year that our nation entered WWI. Although President Wilson declared that, America was too proud to fight, repeated hostilities in the Pacific left him with no choice but to engage in the fight for the preservation of the freedoms we all still enjoy today. It was during this same year that a young couple from Muskegon Heights, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on August 3rd. Elizabeth was born at the family home on Fifth Street under the guidance of a doctor as the second of six children born to her parents, Adrian and Nellie (Groeneveld) Dolislager. Joined in her family by her older brother, John, and her younger siblings, Gertrude, Gerrit, Adrianna, and Lena, Betty experienced a typical upbringing for the youth of her generation. Her father worked as an assembler at the Brass Works in Muskegon while her mother was a busy homemaker. Betty was a student at local schools including South Park Elementary and Junior High followed by Muskegon Heights High School. She was close friends with Chet Luders, who was a neighbor. The Dolislager family was a close-knit group who were frequently doing things together. Picnics at Lake Michigan and Mona Lake were regular occurrences, and game night at the kitchen table was often enjoyed as well. Everyone in Bettys family had their own chores to tend to, and holidays were greatly enjoyed together as well. After completing her 11th grade year, Betty left school and entered the workforce. Her first job was at the Amazon where she worked as a seamstress. Betty later found work packaging various kits to be sent out at Sealed Power. It was while working at Sealed Power that she met the young man who would forever hold the keys to her heart. His name was Herbert May, and they began dating shortly after they met. Their relationship became a long distance one when he went off to serve in 1939. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, the sweethearts were married on October 11, 1946, in Muskegon when he returned home from the military. The newlyweds soon had a house built on Clinton Street in Muskegon, and Betty was able to stop working once the house was paid for. New and exciting changes were in store for Betty and Herb when they became the parents of two wonderful children, Louann in 1952 and Timothy in 1956. Betty was the disciplinarian in the family, and although she could be stern at times it was always out of love for her children. There were fun-filled family trips to Silver Lake every summer where they rented a cottage from close friends. They also took a few trips up into the Upper Peninsula. Because Bettys husband owned Muskegon Music Company, they enjoyed several coin operated games in the basement. Sunday night found the family enjoying popcorn while watching The Wonderful World of Disney on television. Faith was a cornerstone in Bettys life. Even when the storms of life came her way she never wavered in her beliefs. Betty was a charter member of Berean Church, and she was active at church in a variety of ways as she frequently gave of her time. Sundays found the family attending church and Sunday school followed by steaks on the grill, beef roast, or occasionally pork roast. There were numerous things that kept Betty busy through the years. She had her own creative flair and was quite a talented seamstress who made her daughters wedding dress and a suit for her husband. Betty also enjoyed ceramics, making various arts and crafts, and flower arranging as well as making hats and gardening. Once their children were grown, she and Herb took to traveling and frequently stayed in Florida for a couple of months at a time where they visited Herbs two sisters and niece. They additionally traveled with the Orchard View Travelers to a variety of different destinations. Once grandchildren were born Betty loved spending time with them. Her grandchildren looked forward to going to her house for whitefish since their parents did not like fish, and Betty also took them to Michigans Adventure several times. After Herb died, Betty and her sister, Adrianna Ada, traveled all over together to several places throughout the south and east Three years ago Betty suffered a stroke that left her in need of more care. She soon moved into a local nursing home where she was a favorite among the staff. Betty was always concerned about being a burden to others and was so appreciative of the care she received. Even when things were difficult, Betty never complained. Described as sweet, generous, and kindhearted, Elizabeth Betty May was a true blessing in the lives of all who knew her. It was clear to see by the way she lived her life that her faith was the compass she used to direct her steps, her quiet strength an inspiration. Life will never be the same for Bettys friends and loved ones without her here, but her timeless legacy will continue on in the lives of those who follow her.