Betty A. Garnett

Betty Ann Garnett, age 90, passed away at the comfort of her home on November 1, 2024.  Born on March 10, 1934, in Battle Creek Michigan, devoting so much of her time to her family that meant so much to her.  She enjoyed Lake Michigan, camping, her cottage at Houghton Lake, and travel to places far and wide.  Two favorite destinations were Colorado and France.

Betty is survived by her children, Bob Darbor, Dan (Kathleen) Darbor, Vickie (Kim) Cook, and Ted (Mitzi) Darbor, grandchildren; Matt, Diana, Ashley, Kathleen, Kelsey, Aimee, Cara, Sarah, great grandchildren; Carter, Hudson, Evan, Nolan, Raymond, Ellie, Liz, Anothony, Nathanial, Paige, Lola, and Giabella, nieces; Dawn, Connie, and Melanie. She was preceded in death by her husband Norm Garnett, her parents; Gerald P Marsden and Elizabeth E Marsden, and her sister Nancy Bartlett,

Betty graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1952 where she began her love of music.  She was an accomplished pianist, just missing an opportunity to travel with an orchestra.  She had a beautiful style and feel to her music.  She was accepted to Michigan State University where her goal was to become an educator, following in the footsteps of her mother and aunt.  While there she met Harold Darbor, and made a decision to leave formal education, get married, and raise four children.  Once her children were all attending school, she returned to MSU, getting a degree and becoming an educator for the next 30 years.

If you knew Betty, you knew her relationship to God and family came first in her life.  Nothing made her happier than when she was surrounded by family.  No birthday or holiday could be just a couple of hours, if possible, she would stretch it to the entire day.  We often referred to her as Emily Post, because she was determined to make sure we had tools to be self-sufficient as well as having good manners.  She never wanted to miss a sporting, music or other activity her children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren were involved in, traveling as far as Chicago to watching an equestrian event.  Her church family was so important to her as well.  She met so many wonderful and supporting friends through her church affiliations.  Her family would like to thank each and every one of them for their friendship and support.

While chaperoning a trip with the Holt French Club, she met and forged and lifelong love for Norm Garnett.  This relationship changed and enriched her life.  They made such a wonderful team; taking care of grandchildren, introducing their love of individual places to each other.  Norm the wide open west, and Europe to Betty.

A memorial of Betty’s life will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Holt, 2021 N. Aurelius Rd. at 11:00 am.  With visitation beginning at 10:00 am, and a luncheon following.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Holt.