Betty Jane Collette

Betty was a fighter and a survivor. At a time when divorce was frowned upon, Betty left her husband and started a life for herself and her son. When death was the norm for cancer, Betty survived and lived many more years.

She was an icon at the Penney Company and led the way for many women to follow. Betty fought her way up the corporate ladder at J.C. Penney, ultimately retiring as a store Manager. She defied the norms for women of her time, demanding a better life for her and her son. Fashion was her passion. Betty along with a few other select people helped J.C. Penney develop a women Fashion Department, flying to New York to help select many of the items that would be sold in Penney stores across the county.

After retiring from J.C. Penney with 50 years of service, she returned to work there as a sales clerk. She enjoyed sales and working with people to find the perfect outfit(s) to flatter them. When Betty finally retired she had 67 years of service at Penney’s.

Nothing made Betty happier than giving gifts. She was constantly spoiling her grandchildren and her great granddaughter with gifts. It should come as no surprise her favorite gift was fashion. She loved buying clothes and telling the receiver of the gift, how that was the latest trend.

Betty fought to live until the very end and we will all be better for her perseverance and drive in the face of adversity.

Betty was born Betty Jane Kell on February 23, 1923 in Smythe County, Virginia. Her father was James M. Kell. Her mother was Martha Blevins. Like all of her five brothers and sisters she was born in her parent’s bed in Claghorn Valley. In the early depression, Grandpa moved the family by horse and wagon to Superior, West Virginia where he worked as a carpenter and coal miner. Grandpa was on a crew that built the house the family lived in.

Betty had one son, William. She is survived by her son, William Collette (Christine) of East Lansing and three grandchildren Pamela Dausman (Robert) of Haslett, James Collette (Tanina) of Lansing, Jon Kuisel of East Lansing, and a great granddaughter, Sydney Dausman of Haslett. All of Betty’s brothers and sisters have long since died and most of her nieces and nephews, as well.

Special thanks and deepest appreciation to Sparrow Hospital Intensive Care Nurse, Janet, and on Seven-Neumann Nurses, Kimmy and Rachel, who went above and beyond in their care of Betty and thoughtfulness to her family.

The visitation and Funeral Service celebrating Betty’s life will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2023. A one-hour visitation will start at 1 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Lansing Chapel (1730 E. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing 48823) with the Memorial Service starting at 2 p.m. officiated by Pastor Michael Dunkelberger.

Betty will be cremated and in the fall she will be taken home to the place closest to her heart, McDowell County, West Virginia. Please say a prayer for Betty. Flowers and remembrances are welcome.