Betty Jacqueline Green

In Loving Memory…

Betty was born September 23, 1933, in Fairfield, Illinois. She attended Fairfield High School and later married her high school sweetheart, Clifford W. Green, to whom she was married for over 60 years. After living in Illinois for a number of years, the couple moved to Michigan where they raised four children together. Betty devoted the following years to raising her family.

Betty was a talented artist and in her younger years enjoyed traveling, getting together with friends, gardening, painting, and attending macrame classes with her daughters. More recently she enjoyed embroidery, reading, and spending time with her family, who brought her the greatest joy.

After their children were grown, Betty and Clifford began the adventure known as the Green House Bar & Grill at the corners of Hazel and Cedar Streets in Lansing, which was known for its chili, olive burgers, and wet burritos. They owned and operated their business successfully for 25 years until they retired. Betty ran the kitchen and became a friend to a steady stream of clientele, including employees of the state of Michigan and the nearby Oldsmobile/GM plant. Their entire family enjoyed spending time there while dining, and choosing songs to play on the jukebox. Betty and Clifford also hosted many celebrations and team leagues there through the years. Betty was a member of the Holt United Methodist Church and attended activities at the Sam Corey Senior Center until health issues kept her close to home.

Betty was held dear by her children as she found joy in sharing the simple things with them. She would be both surprised and delighted by an unscheduled visit over a cup of tea, or a more scheduled visit, sharing a meal from one of her favorite restaurants that would be brought to her. She enjoyed taking car rides for a color tour in the fall to take in the changing colors of the leaves, a light tour during the Christmas season to look at the beautifully decorated homes and businesses, or just chatting and enjoying the scenery while being driven to an appointment. She took pleasure in visiting Shipshewana, IN to enjoy the flowers that bloomed during the summer, a nice meal at the Blue Gate Restaurant, and on one occasion attended a Loretta Lynn concert before she wrapped up her touring career. She enjoyed attending family gatherings, parties and events both close to home and out of state, depending on which branch of the family she was visiting and celebrating with.

Betty was beloved by her grandchildren and great grandchildren who knew her as “Granny” and “Gran” and will cherish memories including decades of family celebrations as well as quieter visits spent coloring picture books together, playing games such as rummy, bingo, and monopoly, and sharing stories and updates about their lives over family meals.

She was a caring host when the family visited. She happily paused her day for a phone conversation, and she eagerly learned new technology later in life so she could communicate by text and email with her family and friends alike. She was a gentle matriarch who always offered comfort and unconditional love.

Betty will be remembered and dearly missed by her son Dennis Green, daughter Jackie (Anthony) Henry, grandchildren Tara (Brendan) Tidwell Cullen, Sarah (Jon) Tidwell Burton, Nicole Green (Jakob Stasko), Spencer Green, Jessica Green, and Caleb (Michaela) Henry, and numerous great grandchildren who were fortunate to have her as a vibrant part of their lives during their youth.

Betty was preceded in death by a son Douglas Green, a daughter Denise Tidwell, and her husband Clifford.

A service to honor Betty’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025, with calling one hour prior, at the Holt United Methodist Church in Holt, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to Holt United Methodist Church and to Hospice of Lansing.

Betty’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Carol, Kristen, and Cindy for the care they provided for Betty and the guidance they provided to her family.