Betty Jane Beers

Betty Jane (Keeler) Beers, 98, of Jackson, Michigan passed away on December 19, 2025. She was the daughter of Emery Keeler and Emma (Moull) Keeler Schutt. Betty is survived by her son Jeffrey (Karen) Beers; grandchildren Brian Cagle, Missy (Ivan) Cagle, Jamie (Michael) Mayo, Steven (Terra) Beers, Tabitha (Richard) Bradford and Billy Beers; 12 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild with 1 on the way. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 38 years Billy Beers, her parents, daughter Deborah (Larry) Cagle, son Milo (Denise) Beers and great-granddaughter Tristyn Beers. Betty was known for her quick sense of humor and care for everyone she met. If she met you once, she would ask about you, your parents, and your siblings and remember every detail the next time you met.

Betty grew up in Jackson, Michigan with her 2 sisters, Thelma Sechler and Sharon Buman. She attended Jackson High School graduating in 1945. When attending Allen Elementary School, her school required students to walk across the street for an annual dental appointment. Betty was so fearful of the dentist that she skipped school and walked home instead. Her strong-willed personality followed her throughout her life.

As a mother, Betty always had dinner with her children while Bill worked the second shift. Sundays were for family with everyone gathering for dinner, first at Bill’s parents’ home and later moving to Betty’s kitchen. Christmas Eve meant extended family gathering together. Betty excelled as the keeper of family traditions.

Betty was one of the first employees hired at K-Mart in Jackson, where she worked as a receiving clerk in the shipping department. She proudly worked there for 27 years, retiring in 1992, but maintaining those friendships well beyond that. She loved to bring home a special toy for her grandchildren with every paycheck. As a grandparent, Betty was always up for card games and Sunday evening pot roast dinners. She was unapologetically proud of her grandchildren, meticulously scouring the newspaper for mention of academic, athletic and professional successes to share.

Betty’s great-grandchildren remember her as witty with a twinkle in her eye, unfiltered and not afraid to demand they do a little dance when she decided a party was too boring.

Betty was fortunate enough to get to snuggle her first great-great-grandchild recently and no doubt, whispered the secrets to making mischief in her ear.

Betty spent her last 2 years living at Summit Park Assisted Living Center under the loving care of staff who vied for the privilege of caring for her every day, eventually partnering with the generous care of Gentiva Hospice. When moving from her home where she lived since 1963, she had to make the difficult decision of what to bring to her small apartment in the nursing home. In that final season of her life she felt the most important belongings she wanted surrounding her were mostly framed photographs of her family, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She chose to surround herself with the love she had created. With almost a century of wisdom under her belt, Betty knew the most important thing is the people with whom you share love.

Visitation will be held at Burden & Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home in Jackson, MI, on December 28, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A second visitation will take place on December 29, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Summit Park Assisted Living Center or Gentiva Hospice. Make checks payable to Gentiva Hospice or Summit Park Assisted Living Center with “Alzeimer's” in the subject line.