Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann Platte

June 14, 1939 - February 24, 2022

Elizabeth (Betsy) Ann Platte passed away peacefully in her bed on February 24, 2022 with her family by her side. Elizabeth was born on Flag Day (June 14) 1939 and grew up surrounded by a large, loving family on the west side of Grand Rapids where her parents (Harold and Cecilia Troeger) made sure everyone was welcome. Betsy was a natural care giver and devoted her life to taking care of and supporting her family. She enjoyed reading, gardening, theater, travel, the beach, laughing, visiting friends and family, and, of course, chocolate! Betsy’s love of adventure started as a young woman when she moved to San Francisco in the late 1950’s. After a few years in California, Betsy moved back to Michigan to help care for her mother and married Ken Platte. Betsy and Ken continued to explore the country and the journey was just as important as the destination. They spent countless hours exploring back roads wherever they went, finding unique, interesting and sometimes strange adventures along the way. Some of Betsy’s fondest memories were of her “sister” trips that took the “sisters” on fun-filled escapades around or outside of Michigan or along the shores of Lake Michigan searching for Petosky stones. These trips were filled with joy, laughter, pure silliness, stories, and lots of treasures to take home and Betsy often talked about these trips with a smile and a sparkle in her eye. Betsy’s happy places were up north at the Platte Lake cottage and, later in life, at her and Ken’s home in Florida. Her smile, kindness, and generosity were genuine and everyone who met Betsy loved her. Although life wasn’t always easy, Betsy tackled the tough times with humor, grace, and dignity and found comfort in her faith and the love of her family and friends. Betsy certainly knew and embraced the healing power of humor and faith. Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ken, siblings Emily Rau (Jerry), Wilma Bradley (Bob), Norma Lane (Jack), John Troeger, Harold Troeger (June), William Troeger (Pat), Richard Troeger (Barb), and brother-in-law Loren Platte (Alice). Betsy is survived by her daughter Sarah LaMarr (Tim), siblings Sue Krestakos (John), Alice DeBoer (Bill), Thomas Troeger (Joan), James Troeger (Sherry), sister-in-law Lois Glashower (Lewis) and all their families. Betsy touched so many souls and will be remembered by all for her easy smile, laughter, kindness, generosity, unconditional love, and beautiful and gentle spirit. Please help us honor Betsy’s life by changing what you can, accepting what you can’t, being kind but strong and brave, exploring, loving unconditionally, and finding peace in nature. Betsy’s life will be celebrated during the summer of 2022.