Betty Siefert

Betty Lee Siefert (nee Ritter) age 88 of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, formerly of Saline and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, died peacefully surrounded by her family on September 20, 2019. She is survived by her daughters, Cindy Bonczyk (John) of Plymouth, MN, Peggy Griffin (John) of Rochester, MI, Trudy Lampen (Lowell) of Mequon, WI, Barb Nelson (Bob) of Dublin, OH, and Sarah Cohen (Daniel) of Whitefish Bay, WI. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, whom she loved dearly. She is predeceased by Robert, the love of her life and husband of 49 years, Mary (Dee Dee) Smith, her beloved sister, and her parents. Mom was born in New Castle, Indiana, on September 16, 1931, to Frank and Lola (Bouslog) Ritter. She graduated from Purdue University in 1953 where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. After graduation she was a secondary school English teacher with the Bluffton (IN) School District. In life, Mom exemplified her strong Christian faith and values. She preached the Golden Rule to her five young daughters and lived her life filled with joy and love of the Lord. She cherished her role as a dedicated and loving corporate wife, mother, and grandmother and was proud to be a homemaker. As a long time member of the Presbyterian Church of Saline and later The Kirk in the Hills (Bloomfield Hills, MI), Mom devoted her volunteer time as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon, tutor, Women of the Kirk member, and Grace Center of Hope volunteer. Many hours were also spent as a volunteer with PEO, Junior League, Saline Social Services, Kappa Alpha Theta, and many "classroom mother" opportunities. Mom loved watching and attending sporting events spending many hours preparing for Saturday tailgate parties spent in the shadow of the Big House. She supported a variety of teams including Purdue basketball, University of Michigan football, the Detroit Lions, the Green Bay Packers, the Detroit Tigers, and the Milwaukee Brewers. Mom loved to golf, play cards and travel. Most of all, she enjoyed being the consummate hostess at our family gatherings. We would like to thank the staff at Alexian Village of Milwaukee for the loving care provided to Mom. We also want to thank Horizon Hospice for their compassionate care of Mom in her final months. Immense gratitude to Dorothy Lee, Mom's faithful caregiver and loyal companion who will always have a special place in our hearts. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 24th at 1:00 P.M. at Alexian Village of Milwaukee, 9301 N. 76th Street, Milwaukee, WI. On Saturday, September 28th at 1:00 P.M. A Michigan service and celebration of life will be held at Forest Lake Country Club, 1401 Club Drive, Bloomfield Hills, MI. Memorial donations may be made to Saline Area Social Service (salinesocialservice.com) or Horizon Home Care & Hospice (horizonhomecareandhospice.org).