Elizabeth Leecie Sinn

Betty was born Sept. 26, 1935, in Perry, Mich., the daughter of Everett and Jean (Leggett) Hawthorne. She was raised in Perry and was a 1953 graduate of Perry High School. Following graduation, Betty worked various jobs before acquiring a position at General Motors Company where she worked her way up from the GM assembly line to the computer programming department. Betty worked and raised her family in Morrice, Mich. until 1970, at which time, she moved to Lansing where she resided until her retirement in 1994. Upon retirement, Betty and her loving companion of 38 years, Richard Kniffen, relocated to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where the couple resided on Ogontz Bay ever since. Betty held and exceptional love for fishing. When it came to fishing blue gill, she was often the first on in the boat. In addition, she loved spending time outdoors hunting and gardening. She also enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and quilting.

In addition to her companion, Richard Kniffen, Betty is survived by sons, Everett (Michelle) Bates, Frank (Lori) Sinn and Richard Sinn; daughter, Jodette Pitts; sister Barbara Jean Shirley; special step-son, Scott (Carlene) Kniffen and special step-daughter, Kim (Scott) Crawford.

Also listed among the surviving family are Betty’s grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and her entire extended family, near and far, that she loved so dearly.

Betty’s parents, Everett and Jean, and her sister Margaret Jean Defrenn, preceded her in death.

Betty’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow visiting hours, at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Brian Gerber officiating. Betty will be laid to rest in the Cooks Cemetery in the spring. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be offered online at www.skradskifuneralhomes.com