Betty Eckfeld

Betty Elinor Eckfeld of Unionville, age 101, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at her home. Betty was born July 21, 1920 in Unionville, the daughter of the late Joseph and Clara (Franz) Ewald. She grew up on the family farm and was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church - Columbia Corners. While working on the farm, Betty also taught Sunday school, and made sure to put her education first. From the time she was little, being a teacher was always a dream of hers and she made it happen. Betty was chosen to attend Tuscola County Normal and eventually after long hours of studying, she earned her teaching degree. Before school ended, Betty was offered three jobs and she accepted the one for which she thought she was best qualified. As the years went on, Betty continued her education and during this time, she met the love of her life, Melvin Eckfeld. They were married at Bay City Immanuel Lutheran Church and were blessed with their beloved sweet daughter, Norma. Betty went back to school, attending Central Michigan University and graduated in 1960 with her Master's degree. She worked at the USA Schools for over thirty-two years, retiring in 1981, fondly remembering all of her students. Wanting to stay engaged with people in her community, Betty attended real estate classes and became a real estate salesperson. Always keeping busy, Betty spent countless hours in her flower garden and yard, keeping it meticulously kept. She was an avid reader and loved to watch the birds. Betty served in a number of organizations and touched many lives. She and Melvin loved to travel and did so extensively, having visited Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, every Canadian province, and all fifty states. During the summers and on weekends, they could be found spending time at their cottage. Sadly, after 58 years of marriage, Melvin preceded Betty in death in 1995. Betty enjoyed building bird houses, creative wood carvings, and would make log statues for each season. She and her daughter Norma loved decorating and busied themselves for several years as Unionville Moravian Church's adornment team. They relinquished their job by submitting an article, "Unionville Moravian Believes in the Spirit of Christmas," which was published in the December 2006 edition of The Moravian. Above all else, Betty loved time spent with Melvin, Norma, and Norma's husband, Glenn, who was more like a son than a son-in-law. Betty's kind, caring, faithful, and teaching ways will be missed so very dearly. Betty is leaving on Earth, her caring, loving, and sweet daughter and best friend, Norma Dinsmore; many nieces, nephews, cousins, wonderful neighbors, and friends. Betty will also be loved and remembered by the many school children she taught over the course of her career. In addition to her parents and loving husband, Betty was welcomed home to heaven by her son, Glenn Dinsmore; brothers, Edward (Laura) Ewald and Donald (Emma) Ewald; infant sisters, Vera and Margaret; many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Unionville Moravian Church, with Rev. Michele Hile officiating. The family will be present to receive friends on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Unionville Moravian Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to a scholarship in Betty's honor for an Elementary school teacher or ACW Ambulance or Unionville Moravian Church. Visitation Information Date: Saturday, July 23, 2022 Time: 10:00 am End Time: 12:00 pm Unionville Moravian Church Address: 2711 Cass Unionville, MI 48767 The family will be present to receive friends on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:00 p.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, July 23, 2022 Time: 12:00 pm Unionville Moravian Church Address: 2711 Cass Unionville, MI 48767 A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Unionville Moravian Church, with Michele Hile officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, July 23, 2022 Unionville Moravian Church Address: 2711 Cass Unionville, MI 48767 Burial will follow at Unionville Moravian Cemetery.