Obituaries

Betty Joann (Welty) Spencer of Trout Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, at Mackinaw Straits Hospital in St. Ignace, Michigan. She was born on June 7, 1934, in Bay City, Michigan, to Edward and Ilene Welty.

When Betty was 18, her family moved to Trout Lake, where she would build the life and community she cherished. It was there that she met the love of her life, Merlyn Thomas Spencer. The two were married on April 24, 1953, and together they raised eight children. She spent most of her life in Trout Lake, with the exception of ten years spent in Waunakee, Wisconsin, from 1981 until 1991, before returning home to Trout Lake.

A dedicated and active member of her community, Betty was a longtime member of the Trout Lake Ladies Club for more than fifty years. She also gave her time as a member of Trout Lake EMS and the Red Hatters. Betty had a strong work ethic and caring heart. She worked as a nurses aide at St. Ignace Hospital, in a nursing home, and at Springs Window Fashions in Wisconsin. One of her favorite jobs was working in the gift shop at Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace.

Betty loved staying busy. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing softball and bowling in leagues. She found great joy in reading, knitting, and crocheting, and she lovingly shared her handmade doilies with family and friends. One of her most treasured traditions was quilting a baby blanket for each of her grandchildren. She was never one to sit still. She was always ready to lend a hand, often driving friends to appointments when they were no longer able to drive themselves, right up until she finally admitted it was time for her to stop driving, too. Her generous heart, steady presence, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her children, David Spencer of Kinross, Michigan, Roger Spencer of Waunakee, Jim (Cindy) Spencer of Trout Lake, Bruce (Theresa) Spencer of Trout Lake, Bob (Lynn) Spencer of Trout Lake and Mary Spencer of Trout Lake; sixteen grandchildren, Ryan, Mike, Andy, Tina, David, Dixie, Derek, Logan, Jamie, Lacey, Kasey, Michelle, Natalie, Bruce, Mallorie and Sara; forty-four great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Merlyn “Squeak”; son, Edward “Mike”; daughter, Barbara; parents, Ed and Ilene; and sister, Nancy Fischer.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, MI 49774. A luncheon will follow afterward at the Trout Lake Township Hall, 32686 W H-40, Trout Lake, MI 49793.

Betty’s final resting place will be at Trout Lake Lakeview Cemetery in Trout Lake, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to McLaren Hospice, 1 Highland Dr. Petoskey, MI 49770 in memory of Betty.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.