Betty Jean (Ball) Burnside

Betty Jean Burnside, 87, of Fremont, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 1, 2023, at the Newaygo County Compassion Home.

She was born on April 13, 1936, in Middleville, Michigan; to Harold and Lillian (DeWeerd) Ball. Growing up, Betty worked at her father’s grocery store in Newaygo, Harold’s IGA, and was active in Newaygo High School’s Future Homemakers of America chapter. She graduated from Newaygo High School in 1954 before completing the Commercial Business Course at Central Michigan University. Betty spent many years working in business administration, including 12 years with the Fremont Chamber of Commerce where she coordinated the Old-Fashioned Days community celebration.

Betty met Jerry Burnside while attending Newaygo High School and they were married on February 22, 1958. When she was not working outside of the home, she stayed busy raising their two daughters, Jennifer and Diane. In retirement, Betty enjoyed quilting, knitting, reading, flower gardening, and keeping up with her grandchildren. Her granddaughters have fond memories of picking bouquets from Grandma’s beautiful flower beds when no one was looking, “playing office” at her desk, her well-stocked toy shelf, Hawaiian Punch and Windmill Cookies, and their much-anticipated annual summer sleepover.

Betty is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jerry; her daughters, Jennifer (Mark) Schropp and Diane Burnside-Hoad; 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, her sister, Donna Isberg, and her brother, Harold (Fran) Ball. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Susan Bull; and her brother-in-law, Warren Isberg.

Betty’s family will be holding a private memorial service before she is laid to rest at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Fremont. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Newaygo County Compassion Home in her memory. 

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