Betty Ruth Lively

Betty Ruth Lively, age 90 of Tecumseh, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2017 while surrounded by those who truly cared for her at Cambrian Senior Care and Hospice of Lenawee.  She was born on November 30, 1926 in Royal Oak, Michigan to Dewey and Ruth (Handyside) McMahon.  She married William Lively on November 27, 1946 when they eloped to Kentucky; They shared a deep love and enjoyment of one another for a full and happy 65 years.  He preceded her in death on August 25, 2012.

Hers was a life well lived.  One of eight children, they held on through the Great Depression and WWII.  She rode the streetcar into Detroit to work for the S.S. Kresge Co. and Hudson’s Dept. Store.  In 1950, motherhood became her favorite full-time job.  Later in life she enjoyed working at Madonna College and Northwestern Michigan University. Betty always kept a warm home and her welcoming heart.  She loved her family dearly and made friends easily.  The annual McMahon family reunion was a highlight.  She was active in many women’s church groups and, most recently, attended Tecumseh United Methodist Church.  Over the years she enjoyed camping and traveling with her family, painting, old movies, playing tennis and golf, listening to music, and cheering on Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, and Michigan college football (blue and green).  She loved family holidays, at the home she and Bill built in Traverse City especially, and playing Hearts – she kept everyone laughing by often trying to take them all!  She kept her good humor until the end.

Betty is survived by her sons, Mark (Penelope) Lively of Wayne and Brian (Agnes) Lively of Moreno Valley, CA; her daughters, Maureen (Timothy) Heim of Tecumseh, Beth (William Mann) Lively of Portland, ME, Carol (Mark Gilbert) Lively of Ann Arbor; brother James (Ruth) McMahon of Texas; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and her sister.

The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the caretakers and staff at Cambrian Senior Care and Hospice of Lenawee.  Mom, too, was extremely grateful for their loving care.

A memorial service will be held at Tecumseh United Methodist Church, 605 Bishop Reed Drive in Tecumseh, Michigan, on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mark Miller officiating.  Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service.  Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.