Belletu Mehretu (እማሚ)

Belletu Mehretu (እማሚ) born April 4, 1942 (1934 Ethiopian Calendar) in Jimma, Ethiopia to Mehretu Tewldemedhin and Desta Andebrhan and raised by Emama Letebrehan (Mami). In 1967 (1960 Ethiopian Calendar) she married Hussein Ahmed Siraj in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.

Belletu was preceded in death by her husband Hussein Ahmed Siraj, brothers Damte Zafu, Wondayen and sister Yeshimebet (Yeshi) Mehretu.

Belletu is survived by her three children, Fifi Hussein, Teddy (Helina) Hussein, and Temam (Carol) Hussein, three grandchildren Llul, Ariah, and Alula, brother Assefa (Doree) Mehretu, nieces Julie Mehretu, Neeshan Mehretu, David (Sita) Mehretu, grand-nephews and nieces Teo, Luca, Cade, Sophia, Haile, and Cole.

Belletu grew up at Etege Menen Girls School. She was a boarding student from a very young age. She graduated from Addis Abeba University. She is one of the first to be trained as a teacher at Bede-Mariam children’s school within Addis Abeba University. She also worked part-time as a dental hygienist. She then moved to the Testing Center within the university until retirement. Belletu moved to the USA to join her family. She worked at a number of jobs until retirement at age of 67.

Belletu was a skilled seamstress and knitter. She enjoyed creating wonderful clothes and sweaters for her husband and kids.

Belletu was a choir member at Mekane Yesus church in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. She enjoyed choir songs. Belletu was a remarkable woman, straightforward, loving and caring with a vibrant personality that touched so many lives. She faced a number of challenges throughout her life but overcame them with faith and courage. Her presence in all our lives will never be forgotten. She will be greatly missed.

A committal service for Belletu will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 12:00pm at Evergreen Cemetery in Lansing, MI.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa House, Lansing, MI https://motherteresahouse.org/?form=FUNXDCKRMYK