Elizabeth "Betty" Jean Hare

March 18, 1936 - August 20, 2019

Elizabeth J. Hare, 83, much-beloved mother, sister, grandmother, teacher and friend, passed peacefully to eternal life surrounded by the grace of God at Cascades Senior Living in Midland, August 20, 2019, after a lengthy illness. Her final days and hours were filled with beautiful music and loving prayers. The daughter of the late F. Hector and E. Lucille Diffell, Elizabeth was born March 18, 1936. She married the love of her life, Robert D. Hare, on October 19, 1957. Elizabeth is survived by her son Patrick (Krystol) Hare of Jupiter, Fla.; six grandchildren – Erika (Corbin) Killam, Jacob, Lillian, Juliette, Scarlette and Beckham; great-granddaughter Vada; “inherited daughter,” caregiver and friend Nancy Martin and namesake Elizabeth Martin; and brothers Jim (Beverly) and Tom (Lisa) Diffell and sister Joyce Brown, as well as many nieces and nephews. Among the numerous loved ones who preceded her in death are her husband, Bob, son Daniel, and sister Helen Drzyzga. Betty (as she was known to most) inherited Jesus into her life when she was eight years old. She considered her life and spiritual mentors to be her mother and father, teacher Flora Robertson, Tom and Myrtle White, Harold and Mary Karls, Rev. Joy Barrett, Rev. Elias and Tapuwa Mumbiro, and Richard and Susanne Dillman. She treasured the memories made with her adored family, friends and church family, as well as her fellow “1936ers” and her Y friends. Betty and Bob shared a great love of music, service and nature and thoroughly enjoyed nearly 60 years together, traveling, making music, laughing and spreading joy. They delighted in the Pure Michigan seasons and the joys of walking on trails and beaches, biking, cross-country skiing, boating and camping. A 1954 graduate of Arthur Hill High School, Betty began her teaching career in 1956 following training through Michigan’s County Normal certification program at Bay City Junior College. She continued her education at Central Michigan University, earning her bachelor’s degree. Betty loved teaching (and being a wife, mother and grandmother) and said she never felt like she was going to work for the 25 years she taught in the Bridgeport and Saginaw Public Schools. Throughout her life, Betty was actively involved in service to her church and community. She developed children’s choirs and served as a choir director and Sunday School teacher, leading countless people – of all ages – to love music and Jesus. She led Bible studies, served in the United Methodist Women and chaired church missions committees. She also volunteered with HOSTS (Help One Student to Succeed) and Habitat for Humanity and served as president of Saginaw Community Concerts for many years. The family would like to thank the owners and staff at Cascades Senior Living and Americans Home Health & Hospice Care for their loving and compassionate care of both Betty and Bob – in particular: Norm and Heather, Chez, Karey, Sam, Lavina, Chrissy, Ashley, Katie, Lauren, Amy, Brenda, Kim, Kristin, Amanda and Viola. You are all angels on Earth. Following Betty’s wishes, cremation has occurred. Committal of Betty's and Bob’s ashes will take place at 10:30 a.m., Friday, September 27, 2019 at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, 7475 E. Holland Road, Saginaw, MI 48601. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 12 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2019 at Fischer Family Funeral Home, 504 N. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI, 48602, with Rev. Joy Barrett officiating. Luncheon and reception/visitation will follow the service from 1-4 p.m at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are encouraged to consider memorials to Mustard Seed Shelter, 1325 Cherry St., Saginaw, MI 48601 (themustardseedshelter.org), or another charity of their choice.