Obituary of Betty Lou Beste
Betty Lou Bagwell was born in Wyandotte, Michigan on January 20, 1944. She was one of four children born from the union of Frank Willard Bagwell and Lucille (Neldon) Bagwell. She attended Schaffer High School graduating with the Class of 1964.
She married Leo A. Beste and she was blessed with the birth of a son: Matthew and four stepchildren she loved as her own. The couple built a home in South Rockwood in 1978, and together with her husband and sons they created Beste Grain Farms, farming over 1800 acres. To this day, Leo still farms over 500 acres. Betty first and foremost was a homemaker and cared for the needs of her husband and children. Later in life she took employment at the JC Penny Catalog and the Henry Ford Museum.
Betty and Leo had a very special relationship and they enjoyed travel. Many lifelong memories were made with journeys to all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Mexico, and Punta Cana. Betty was an avid reader with her favorite subject being Westerns. She also loved to watch Hallmark movies. Betty and Leo were generous with their resources and very proud to have sponsored ten children and their families over the years through the Christian Children Foundation now known as Unbound.
Betty Lou Beste, age 78, of South Rockwood passed away peacefully on Tuesday; September 20, 2022 at Wellspring Lutheran Services. She had been under the care of ProMedica Monroe Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her parents; a brother: Charles Bagwell; and a sister: Rayma Jean Smith.
To cherish her memory she leaves her beloved husband: Leo A. Beste of South Rockwood; a son: Matthew (Melanie) Beste; three stepsons: Tony, Tom, and Terry Beste; one stepdaughter: Marianne (Delmont) Chapman; a sister: Mary (David) Matt; twelve grandchildren: Taylor Jane Beste, Clint, Charles, Lee Chapman, Rachel, Aaron, Matthew, Kristen, Ashley, Rayna, Samual, and Ashlyn Beste; and twelve great grandchildren.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday; September 22, 2022 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. She will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am on Friday; September 23, 2022 at Divine Grace Parish, St. Patrick Church; 2996 West Labo Road, Carleton, Michigan 48117. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorials for those who desire are suggested to Unbound or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.