Obituary of Betty Louise Ansel
Betty Louise Greer was born on February 15, 1925 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. She was one of six children born to Gordon “Kelly” Greer and Irene (West) Greer. Betty’s mother passed away when she was just three years old and she was raised by her grandmother, Nancy Jane (Beaty) Greer and grandfather, William Greer, along with her father.
Betty met the “love of her life”, Norman Floyd Ansel, while he was stationed at Fort Brady, just across the border from the Soo. Norm crossed the border with a couple of his buddies and began flirting with a pretty girl as she walked down the street. The pair dated, fell in love, and had a whirlwind romance which led to a wedding on April 17, 1943. Sergeant Ansel was sent overseas not long after their nuptials at which time Betty moved in with her sister, Dorene. Betty moved to the United States in 1945 where she lived with her mother-in-law as she awaited her “soldier boy” to come home. She later became a U.S. citizen and was always proud of being an American.
Betty was the ultimate homemaker, as her life revolved around her family. She was a wonderful cook and her six sons kept her busy for many years as she attended their sporting events. In 1963, Betty became a “Born Again Christian” through the love of her good friends Shirley Kreps and Laura Kracklan. They nurtured her as she grew in her faith. During the Vietnam Conflict it was her faith and prayers that sustained Betty as three of her boys were called upon to serve their country.
Betty had a lovely voice and often sang special music at church. She also sang at many of her children and grandchildren’s weddings and was a member of the Michigan concert choir in the 1970’s. Betty always had a song in her heart and a kazoo in her purse. With her outgoing personality and her musical talent, she was usually “the life of the party”!
Like her father, Kelly, Betty was a giver. Money was something to share with others. Over the years she blessed many with her caring and giving heart as she put other’s needs above her own. She not only shared her finances, but also shared a heart in love with Jesus. Betty talked the talk and walked the walk. Betty never met a stranger. She was called to be an Evangelist and she witnessed to all God brought her way.
Throughout the years Betty taught many Bible studies around her kitchen table. She was a student of God’s word, and her home was always open to those who sought her counsel. Proverbs 11:30 says “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise”. Betty was a wise planter of seeds (God’s word) and a winner of souls from all walks of life. One of her favorite scriptures was Proverbs 28:1 “The righteous are bold as a lion”. Because of her boldness in proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, many have entered the Kingdom of God. According to scripture, a “soul winners crown” awaits her, along with family and those she has nurtured in faith.
Betty was a die-hard Detroit Red Wings hockey fan and cherished the photo of her and Mickey Redmond. There was even a sign in her driveway that proclaimed “Red Wings fans only! All others will be towed!”.
Betty has been under the loving and watchful care of Brett and Sandy Ansel for several years. Betty Louise Ansel, age 98, of Temperance, Michigan passed away peacefully at her home on Monday; August 7, 2023. She closed her eyes and opened them in Heaven where her Savior awaited. Her passing was preceded by her parents; husband: Norm; four brothers: Bill, Ray, Jack, and Gordon Greer; her sister: Dorene J. “Dottie” Douglas; her granddaughter: Kaitlyn Ansel; two great grandsons: Kyler Smiley and Boone Lawson; and special grandsons-in-laws: Glen Pafford and Dave Younger.
To cherish her memory, she leaves her six sons: Randy (Debbie) Ansel, Mike (Lorna) Ansel, Darryl (Cathy) Ansel, Brett (Sandy) Ansel, Brad (Jeannie) Ansel, and Dean (Tiffany) Ansel; her special son: J.P. Pat McElligott; her special niece: Nancy (Douglas) Fairburn and nephew: Norman Douglas; twenty-two grandchildren; forty-seven great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren. Also, her lifelong friends: Shirley Kreps and Joyce and Bill Poore.
Friends may gather on Friday; August 11, 2023 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Betty’s Life officiated by Pastors Roy Southerland and her son, Mike Ansel, will take place at Merkle’s at 11:00am on Saturday; August 12, 2023. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan.
For those desiring, memorial contributions in Barbara's memory are suggested to the Samaritan's Purse or St. Jude's Childrens Hospital. Online guests can leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.