Betty Abke

Betty Jean Abke, age 80, passed away Friday, January 23, 2009 at the Tuscola County Medical Care Facility following a lingering illness. Betty was born February 17, 1928 in Caro, the daughter of the late Wilfred & Eleanor (Hall) Klein, and was a lifelong Caro resident. She was united in marriage with George Louis Abke on November 1, 1947 in Caro. Betty was a charter member of the Caro Eagles Aerie #3587 and was a longtime member of the Women of the Moose #940. She enjoyed playing cards, going for rides, crocheting, puzzles, picking berries and canning tomatoes. Betty is survived by her husband of sixty-one years, George L. Abke; four daughters and their spouses, Judy & Ron Clarkson, Beth & Jeff Mellendorf, Linda & Bill Henderson, Denise & Dean Keilitz, all of Caro; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Barbara E. Abke of Kingston and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sons, Randy Abke in 1980 and Gregory Dean Abke in 2008; grandson, Grant Clarkson; great-grandson, Bradley Shrontz; one brother and two sisters, L.J. Klein, Donna Mae Lamphere and Annabelle Abke.