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Betty L. Hovarter Velie, age 88, of Centreville, passed away Tuesday, July 12th, 2011 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. She was born in Kendallville, IN on March 8, 1923, a daughter of Ralph and Leota (Loucks) Hill. Betty graduated from Centreville High School in 1941 and received her LPN degree from Glen Oaks Community College in 1971. On September 5, 1942 Betty married Henry “Bud” Velie. He preceded her in death December 18, 1980. On September 11, 2004, she married Warren Hovarter at the Fellowship Bible Church in Centreville. Betty worked as a LPN at Dr. Weishiet office in Sturgis and later retired from Fairview Nursing Home in 1988. She was a member of the VFW and Eagles in Sturgis and the Fellowship Bible Church in Centreville. Betty enjoyed knitting and crochet, having made many blankets and items for her family. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family.
Surviving are her husband Warren Hovarter, Centreville, daughter Judy (Rolly) Lamphere, Centreville, step daughters Marcia (Dennis) Wagner, Colorado, Janice (Mark) Fries, Three Rivers, step son Bill (Dawn) Hovarter, Rockford, MI, grandchildren Wendy Miller, Colon, Wade Lamphere, Mendon, Kristy Fielden, Union City, Stacey Lamphere, Three Rivers, Joshua (Beth) Velie, Colon and Lucas Velie, Sturgis, great grandchildren Brady, Alex, Justin, Emma, Lindsey, Kiera and Zander, and 4 step grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bud Velie, son Ricky Velie, and brothers Virgil and Donald Hill.
Relatives and friends will be received Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at the Eley Funeral Home in Centreville where Religious Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, July 15th, with Pastor Jim Savasta officiating. Interment will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Memorial contributions may be made to Fellowship Bible Church. Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
