Time For Memory

FLUEGGE – Betty Rhobea Fluegge (nee Gaskell) entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 21, 2005. Betty was born at home in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, July 17, 1921 to Harry and Lurah Gaskell. The eldest of four children, Betty was a born leader and gifted in many ways. Growing up, Betty excelled at playing the violin and was active in musical theater productions at Chadsey High School in Detroit. She sang lead in her senior production of “Porgy and Bess”. Gilbert and Sullivan musicals were her favorite. She was active in the choir at St. Peter’s Evangelical and Reformed church where she was also confirmed and later married. Following graduation from Chadsey High School in 1939, Betty took a counter job at Bill’s Chocolate Shop in downtown Dearborn. It was there that she met a coal hauler and her future life partner, Ed. Betty declined a college scholarship in order to stay near her family, and Ed, in Detroit. Following an elopement in April, the couple married at St. Peter’s on May 24, 1941. While Ed served overseas during WWII, Betty did secretarial work for General Motors and later became a legal secretary. In 1944 the first of their five daughters was born, setting Betty on her life’s work as Family CEO. In 1954 the family moved to Niantic, Illinois, and in 1963 relocated to Fort Smith, Arkansas. They returned home to Michigan in 1966. While raising her family, Betty was an active church and community volunteer. She worked for many years in the Gift Shop Auxillary at United Memorial Hospital. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, worked on projects with the Brewster Circle at First Congregational Church, quietly assisted troubled youth and families in crisis, and provided artistic leadership and creative input to countless groups and organizations. She remained active in District 11-E-1 Lions of Michigan activities. She was the recipient of the “Volunteer of the Year Award” in recognition of her work with the Friends of the Delta Township Library Bookstore. She was an honorary member of the Cane and Able Stroke Club of Oakland County, Michigan. Throughout her life, she enjoyed swimming, camping, music, old movies, watercolors, growing flowers, and being “Nana” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dick Gaskell. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ed; brother Bob Gaskell of Ada; sister Dorothy (Gale) Downes of Dearborn; five daughters; Judy (Jon) Clapp of Fremont, Jane (John) Elsinga of Grand Ledge, Janis Yonker of Grand Ledge, Joyce (Mike) Nienhuis of Clarkston, and BettyBeth (Rob) Johns of Grand Rapids; grandchildren Bruce (Beth), Bonny (Rob), Rachel (Brandon), Emily (Troy), Katie, Eddie, Danny, David, Michelle, and Amy; ten great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She also had many cherished lifelong friends. Betty will be remembered for her great capacity to give love and to show compassion for those around her. Those who wish to do so may send contributions to First Congregational Church, 126 E. Cass St, Greenville, Michigan 48838, or to Friends of the Delta Township Library, 5438 Elizabeth Road, Lansing, Michigan 48917. You may greet the family on Tuesday, May 24, from 5 – 8 pm at Hurst Funeral Home in Greenville. A service to celebrate Betty’s life will take place at 11 am on Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at First Congregational Church, Greenville, Michigan.