Bethany A. Linn

ELK RAPIDS — Bethany A. Linn, 81, of Elk Rapids, passed away Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born July 18, 1929, in Flint, to Ralph and Myrtle (Gillespie) Brockway. Bethany was married to Wayne William Blue on Feb. 25, 1949. She married James Hal Linn on May 26, 1972.

Bethany was a member of Delta Kappa Gama, Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and was a Michigan Pioneer. She had a passion for genealogy and worked for two years as a missionary for her church.

Bethany received both her bachelor's and master's degrees in teaching from the University of Michigan. She worked for many years as a Kindergarten teacher for the Flint Public Schools.

Bethany is survived by her children, Ralph W. (Jackie) Blue, of Eagle River, Alaska, Christine Ann (Charles) Koop, of Elk Rapids, and Mary Beth (Matthew) Anderson, of Beaverton, Ore.; stepchildren, William (Darla) Linn, Richard (Sharilyn) Linn, and Dr. Stephen Linn; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister, Judith B. (William) Avitts; cousins, Robert Gillespie, John Morrish and Charles Morrish.

Besides her parents, Bethany was preceded in death by her husband, James Hal Linn.

A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, at Elk Rapids United Methodist Church. Burial will take place at Mesa City Cemetery in Mesa, Ariz.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Delta Kappa Gamma Phi Michigan Chapter, Bethany Linn Scholarship Fund, Lana Nickles, Pres., 5774 Supply Rd., Traverse City, MI 49696.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids.