Betty Jean German, known affectionately as Betty Jean, was born on August 19, 1956, in Berrien Center, MI, and later settled in New Troy, Michigan. Her life was a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and a spirit that refused to be tamed. Betty, who was beloved by all for her infectious humor, passed away on March 28, 2025. As Mark Twain once said, “The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” Betty wielded this weapon with grace, using her sharp wit and funny anecdotes to lighten the mood and bring joy to those around her.
A spirited entrepreneur, Betty was the successful owner of a housekeeping business. However, many in the community remember her from her years at The Three Oaks Drug Store, where her sweet nature and unwavering determination warmed the hearts of customers and colleagues alike. In her free time, Betty found solace in crocheting, puzzles, and walking, hobbies that spoke to her patient nature and love for life’s simple pleasures. A fitting quote for Betty’s life would be Helen Keller’s words: “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Betty’s ability to face life’s challenges with resilience and courage made her the family’s anchor, a role she embraced wholeheartedly.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Margaret German, Tonya Krueger, and Sally German, who will carry on her legacy. Her siblings Katherine (Dwight) Brewster, Mary Arivett, Jessie Arivett, Donna (Rick) Marko, and Tony Arivett will remember her strength and courage. Betty’s love continues to live on in her grandchildren, Jasmaine Kniola, Kaine Kniola, Sydney Krueger, Cole Krueger, Mark Jr., and Addisyn German, and her great-grandchildren Anna Grove, Aurora Kubik, and Lorelei Kniola. Along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Arivett and Sally Kemp, her brothers Billy and Frederick Arivett, her son-in-law Kevin Krueger, and her husband Steven German.
Though Betty’s physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit continues to bring light into our lives. We encourage those who knew and loved Betty to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page as a way of celebrating her life and the love she left behind. As we remember Betty, let us recall the words of Emily Dickinson, “Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality.”
Posted On: Monday, March 31, 2025 4:07 PM
