Betty L. Mayhew
Sept. 27, 1932-June 19, 2023
Betty L. Mayhew passed to her rest peacefully on June 19, 2023, after an illness. She was born September 27, 1932 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, the daughter of Sam and Mary (Britt) Hambrick. She grew up with her brother Robert in Arkansas, until the family moved north in the mid 1940's, settling in Buchanan, Michigan. Betty graduated from Buchanan High School, Class of 1952.
After High School, she worked in the Emergency Room at Pawating Hospital in Niles, Michigan. This is where she met her future husband, Paul Mayhew. They were married August 18, 1954 in Niles. Shortly after they were married Paul was drafted into the United States Navy. After Basic Training, Betty joined Paul at Camp LeJeune, NC, where she relished in the roll of being the wife of a Navy Hospital Corman. She loved their life on the base, spending their free time at the pier fishing with her husband. While at Camp LeJeune they welcomed their first child, a daughter Cynthia Jane "Cindy." In 1957 they moved back to Niles and Paul went to work for Pifer Funeral Home and Betty worked at Pawating Hospital as a Surgical Technician and in the ER Department. She was very skilled at her job as a Surgical Tech and was highly requested by many surgeons.
In 1958 Paul and Betty bought a house in Edwardsburg and worked tirelessly to make that house their home and their business, the Mayhew Funeral Home. Betty was involved in every aspect of the business with her husband. In 1962 they welcomed their second daughter, Elena Diane "Poppy." Her family meant everything to her. She was the epitome of a loving, caring, nurturing mom. Her girls were a source of great pride and joy to her. She was a loving and amazing wife and mother.
Betty was in her element in her kitchen, cooking for her family, whether it be her fried chicken, her homemade chicken and dumplings, her peach pie or her homemade soups and corn bread. Every summer she spent endless hours canning from her garden's bounty. Nothing pleased her more that seeing her kitchen counter completely covered with jars of tomatoes, salsa, tomato juice, pickles, green beans and so much more.
Betty belonged to many organizations in the Edwardsburg area; The Monday Evening Club, The Edwardsburg Lioness Club, Delta Theta Chi Sorority, Miss Edwardsburg Pageant, Chairman of the Miss Blossomtime Pageant, and assisted as a School Nurse.
Betty is survived by her loving husband, Paul, her daughter Cindy (husband Doug) Ranschaert of Edwardsburg and she was the loving Memaw to Alyssa that she affectionately referred to as "Little Bit." She was preceded in passing by her parents, Sam and Mary, her precious daughter, Poppy in 2021, and her brother Bob.
A private service took place at her "home" with her family. Long-time friend and former neighbor, Chuck Winters, said words of encouragement and love. Interment took place in the family plot at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
The family has requested that Memorial Donations be made in Betty's name: to The Edwardsburg Area Historical Museum, P.O. Box 694, 28616 US-12, Edwardsburg, Michigan 49112.
"A Mother's Hug Lasts Long After She Lets Go."
Arrangements are by her Family at the Mayhew Funeral Home, Edwardsburg.
Posted online on June 23, 2023 Published in South Bend Tribune