Betty Louise (Klein) Steinhoff, age 75, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2021.
She was born January 31, 1946, in Atlanta, MI, to Emerald and Pearl (Minton) Klein.
She was an accomplished seamstress and interior designer. She earned her Advanced Master Gardener certificate and was deeply involved in the Community Garden in Gaylord, MI. She volunteered her time at the local V.A. hospital and with the Red Cross.
Betty loved nature. Her favorite times were at Farm Fest, smiling and swaying to the music, eliciting giggles from her grandchildren, hunting for morel mushrooms, spending time at the lake with friends and family, or just with her hands in the dirt in her own backyard garden watching the birds on the feeder; except those darn blue jays!
She made homemade chili powder that was so good it could be used for currency. She compiled a fantastic volume of recipes from people near and far for the Master Gardner’s Cookbook to share with the community.
Volunteer work was important to Betty and she touched many hearts working with veterans and the elderly. She was a driving force at the Community Garden, where her love of gardening became infectious. She surely passed along morsels of wisdom, to the people whose lives she touched, that will last a lifetime. She leaves her legacy with many souls.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Emerald and Pearl Klein; her sisters, Jacqueline Allen, Barbara Ann Klein, Joan Ballew, Carroll Lundberg, and Donna (Ed) Kitchen; and her brother, Patrick (Lily) Klein.
She is survived by her children; Mary Johnson of Detroit, MI, Gary “Butch” Brady, Jr. of Jackson, WY, and Laura (John) Gregory of Sparta, MI. She also leaves her wit and wisdom to eight grandchildren; Austin Brady of Detroit, MI, Max Thomas of Sugar Land, TX, Ryen Thomas of Detroit, MI, Ziggy Thomas of Ann Arbor, MI, Noah Thomas of Ypsilanti, MI, Johnny Gregory, Dawson Gregory, and Logan Gregory all of Sparta, MI; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life, when we can gather with memories and laughter, will be announced at a later date to family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gaylord’s Community Garden through the Otsego Conservation District by mailing your donation to 800 Livingston Blvd, Suite 4A, Gaylord, MI 49735.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
11 comments on “Betty L. Steinhoff”
Rest in Power, Betty. 🙏
You leave behind quite a wonderful legacy.
Always, Joanne Long Medved
I am so glad that we reconnected a few years ago. With the class of ‘64 scattered far and wide, it was a joy to find out that one of my classmates was living so close to where I live in the UP. Betty’s master gardener skills were not just relegated to the northern lower; her help and influence was spread through the eastern UP and some of my community/neighbors up here as well. Warren High, Class of ‘64 has gained another angel. We are saddened with her passing-but we know that she’s happy and busy tending ethereal areas unseen by us on this plain. Flowers forever in our hearts and our thoughts for you.
Betty was a friend at Warren High School and later on Facebook. She will be missed.
Condolences to her family and all the friends that she had. We are all very sad at her passing. RIP Betty.
Ben Laemers
RIP Betty
May your spiritual journey be as fulfilling as your earthly journey.
I am so sad to hear of your mom’s passing Butch! Funny memories about many wild things in the neighborhood! God bless! Mike and Barb Switalski.
A touching tribute to a woman who helped shape me. I’ll see you again in every jewel weed and hummingbird, and promise to let a bee perch on my hand this summer. Thank you for teaching me.
I have few words but thousands of memories.
Until we meet again my old friend, hearts.
Butch Brady,
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I hope you can hold on to all the great memories you have of her. Nothing anyone says will make it any easier, but know we are thinking of you. Prayers to you and your family!
Laura and family,
Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.
VanKirk Family, Dave and Kathy, and Stephanie
I wish we could say that we had the pleasure to know Betty longer but the years that we’ve known Betty were great! She was an awesome person, funny, full of spunk, Great gardener and a great cook! She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and she loved her family to the Moon, ❣️.She will be missed. We have no doubt that her next adventures will be wonderful ♥️ Lorie and Rick
It’s been a year, still giggling about our adventures and still remembering the good times. You are missed, girl. RIP