Obituary of Betty Ann Stalker

Stalker, Betty Ann

Freeland, MI

Betty, was born on November 11, 1943, in Saginaw, Michigan, and passed away June 12, 2023, at the age of 79.  She made the Tri-Cities her home throughout her life, and was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Freeland, Michigan.  She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Ivan J. Roggen and Mrs. Jane Ann (Moskal/Stalker) Roggen; her father, Altan D. Stalker; a grandson, Matthew J. Fox; and a brother-in-law, Lloyd Pender.

Betty graduated from St. Andrew's High School in 1961, with her dear friend Jane (Allman) Luplow. Betty and Jane retained "best friend" status for 75 years, after initially meeting in kindergarten at the Zilwaukee Elementary School. Betty enjoyed the monthly luncheons with her "St. Andrew's girls."  She went on to earn her teaching degree from Saginaw Valley State University and was an exceptional educator for the Saginaw Public School System.  Betty continued to educate herself as well, earning her Masters Plus 30, as she taught kindergarten through fourth grade.  After retiring, she was involved with her booth at the Antique Warehouse and very much enjoyed traveling about to stock her booth with "good finds." Her curiosity, eagerness for new experiences, and friendly and outgoing nature, lead to multiple travel adventures. She visited Ireland, England, Greece, Scotland, Italy, China, Mexico, and many areas of the United States.  She travelled with friends, family, and travel groups, and fondly spoke of her thankfulness for being able to take those trips given the health challenges she faced in her later years which "grounded" her.  Even so, she was able to attend the yearly family gathering at Neebish Island/St. Mary’s River in 2022, for the first time in ten years.  Although a good time is had by all every year at that gathering, in 2022 a brother of Betty’s observed, "This was the best Neebish vacation for the family in quite a long time and Betty's presence was the difference!"  Betty's presence did make a big difference. 

She was calm when calm was needed, joined in with celebrating every joyous occasion or accomplishment whether large or small, listened without judgment, and, above all, loved both intensely and unconditionally.  Her choice to maintain a positive attitude and her sheer determination kept her alive, independent, and enjoying life at every turn.  Her example has been an inspiration and source of strength for those who knew her.  Betty was a wonderful Mother and an exceptional Grandmother, hosting holiday/birthday/graduation and "just because" get togethers at her home in Freeland.  A fun Gramma she was, indeed, taking her grandchildren on adventures to Florida, getting the best spot for the "princess parade," allowing little Laura to be chosen to come out and dance with the princesses, not once, but on two separate occasions!  Waterfall tours, Mackinaw Island excursions, Tall Ships, ball games, festivals, and multitudes of other adventures float through the memories of and bring smiles to those with whom she shared these times. In later years Betty enjoyed more laid back experiences such as sitting in the recliner gazing at Lake Huron when visiting her daughter, watching Tiger baseball with commentary through the "text thread" with her sister Lynn and brother John, but also visiting by phone, text, and FaceTime with her great-grandchildren, friends, and family.   She welcomed all visitors when they stopped to see her, visiting and laughing and sharing good times. Betty had a way of making everyone she met and with whom she interacted, feel loved and important.  She will be intensely missed, but leaves those who knew her with a storehouse of smiles and good memories.

Surviving Betty are her three children: Linda Pearson of Grand Rapids, Jane Parr of Cheboygan, and James Parr of Boyne City; grandchildren, Cailee (Zack) Casey, Dustin Ivan Parr, and Laura Pearson; great-grandchildren, Cara and Caitlyn Casey; brothers, Altan (Kathy) Stalker, Michael (Kathie) Stalker, and John Roggen; and sister, Lynn Pender.  She cherished her nieces and nephews and kept close tabs on all the "doings" despite long distances:  Katie (Shannon) Burchett and Altan J. (Amy) Stalker and their children Shannon and Max, and Altan T. and Rebecca; Craig (Lorie) Pender and son, Cooper; Meghan (Brian) Wood and their children, Eleanor and Gavin; Brandon Stalker and his children, Evelyn and Michael.

The family would like to thank the friends and helpers who allowed Betty to remain in her home through their loving assistance: Gabe and Noah Howard, Jim Lamay, Patti Whitman, Connie Kellett, Jacob Alexander, neighbors Shannon Henige and Betty Rose (Betty 2).  A special thank you to Covenant Healthcare for the care and multiple "saves" they provided, to Doctors Daniel Duffy and Dominador Laynes for Betty's great care throughout the years.  A heartfelt thank you for the love, skill and tenderness provided by Sherry English and Tina Schnople as they cared for Betty allowing her to be in her home for her final days, welcoming a parade of loved ones and "holding court."

Father Christian Tabares will officiate at Betty's Funeral Mass at St. Agnes Parish, 300 Johnson Street, Freeland, Michigan 48623, on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, with visitation at 10 a.m., a Mass at 11 a.m., and a luncheon to follow on premises.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to a charity of the donor's choice, possibly one of Betty's favorite charities including St. Agnes Church, Saginaw City Rescue Mission, Sisters of St. Clare, UNICEF, or Doctors Without Borders.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.