Betty Jean Monroe

Betty Jean Monroe, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, surrounded by family. She was born May 11, 1927, in Ionia, the daughter of Newton and Elsie (Wade) Clark. She shared 77 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Elson Monroe, a true testament to enduring love and partnership.

Betty built a life full of care and dedication—not only to her family, but also to her community through her own cleaning business, where her hard work and kindness touched countless homes. She was the proud mother of nine children, each of whom she guided with her strength, humor, and unconditional love.

A woman of many talents, Betty loved quilting, creating beautiful pieces stitched with patience and care. She found joy in cooking meals that brought family and friends together around the table. In quieter moments, she delighted in watching her favorite daytime TV shows, never missing an episode.

For the later part of her life, Betty spent 14 years at Ingham County Medical Care Facility. There, she made many dear friends and built lasting relationships with the wonderful caregivers who became like family. True to her spirit, she remained sharp as a tack until the very end, always bringing warmth and wit to those around her.

Betty’s life was a story of devotion, perseverance, and simple joys. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she touched with her kindness and love. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered with gratitude and love.

Surviving are her children, Bill (Victoria) Monroe, Gayle (Tony) Guillen, Rosemary Felgenhauer, Marilyn (Jim) Ryder, and Penny Monroe-Barry; daughters-in-law, Mary Jane Monroe and Clare Monroe; grandchildren, Matthew (Julie) Monroe, Patrick (Ryan) Monroe, Sheila (John) Blevins, Shawn (Kim) Monroe, Scotty Monroe, John (Nicole) Monroe, Randy (Anna) Monroe, Selena (Ron) Wood, Artie Monroe, Tyson Monroe, Madison Monroe, Antonette Guillen, Dana (Dwayne) Walker, Angela (Geno) Smith, Jamie (Steven) Davis, Mike (Amber) Felgenhauer, Michael Ryder, Dawn Baker, Melinda (Troy) Jones, Brenda (Dwayne) Baker, Ashley Alleshouse, Amy (Tyler) Langoni, Ashley (Alex Vincent) Wickham, Lindsey (Ryan Burl) Barry; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elson Monroe; sons, Mike Monroe, Wayne Monroe, Art Monroe, and Robert Monroe; daughter-in-law, Karol Monroe; sons-in-law, Michael Barry and Michael Felgenhauer; grandchildren, Mark Monroe, Mickey Monroe, Nicole Phillips, and Misty Baker.

Visitation will take place at Gorsline-Runciman Tiffany Chapel, 3232 W. Saginaw Street from 5:00-7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, and 10:00-11:00 am on Thursday, October 2, 2025. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday with a committal to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.