BETTY ANN ATKINSON

Betty Ann Atkinson, 90, a lifelong resident of Lachine and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at Medilodge of Alpena early Monday morning, April 14, 2025, with family by her side.

Betty Ann Roy was born May 25, 1934, to her late parents, Joseph and Annie Roy in Alpena, Michigan. She married Roger Atkinson, Oct. 3, 1953, who preceded her in death on April 26, 2020. Betty dedicated her life to Roger, raising their five children and being a faithful member of the Long Rapids Congregational Church. She taught Sunday School and was a very active member of the church’s Ladies Aid Group. Betty loved to cook meals and bake pies and preserve the many vegetables and fruit she and Roger grew in their garden. Betty was also very involved in 4-H. Betty and Roger were two of the founding members of the Alpena Farmers Market where they took vegetables and bird houses.

Betty is survived by her five children: Mike (Pam) Atkinson of Luck, WI; Marty Atkinson of Lachine; Mark (Denise) Atkinson of Gaylord, MI; Karen (Richard) Wilson of Lachine; and Kathy (Don) Berry also of Lachine; eight grandchildren: Diane (Beau) Knock, Jarred (Dana) Wilson; Jill (Brent) Hiske, Karri (Lisa) Wilson, Annie (Jeremy) Johnson, Andy (Sarah) Atkinson, Ben Bahling, Jessie (Ben) Thomason; and 16 great-grandchildren: Ruby, Wren, Hank and Eden Knock; Noah and Aubrey Wilson; Ella, David, Isaac, and Hannah Hiske; Gus and Iggy Johnson; Justin, Autumn, and Olivia Atkinson, and James Thomason.

Betty was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, David Bahling and sister, Marie Frechette.

Memorial visitation will be held at Long Rapids Congregational Church on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the memorial service at noon with Pastor Sam Mock officiating followed by inurnment at the Long Rapids Cemetery. Cremation arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Long Rapids Congregational Church, 5440 Church Street, Lachine, MI 49753 or Hospice of Michigan.