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Betty June Forrest, 90, of Niles and Granger, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Her life began October 12, 1933, in Niles, the third of five children born to Lawton “Red” and Edna Austin.

Betty never met a stranger. She loved to talk to people and learn about their lives.

She was an avid nature lover who also loved all animals, especially her cats, and fed the birds constantly in order to watch them at her bird feeders. She loved flower gardening and collecting antiques of all kinds, and sewing was one of her favorite pastimes. She liked all forms of chocolate and would never refuse the offer of a chocolate milkshake. But she especially enjoyed spending time with her nearby daughter taking long drives.

Betty went back to college in her middle age, earning an

Associate’s degree in nursing, a Bachelor’s degree in general studies, and a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling, and went on to teach as an instructor at the junior college level, in addition to her work as a nurse. She specialized in psychiatric nursing and retired as a hospice grief counselor.

She is survived by three daughters, Terry Forrest of Bristol, Tennessee; Deborah Forrest of Granger, Indiana; and Bonny Forrest of San Diego, California; by a twin sister, Beverly Stasiak of Niles; and by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death in 2006 by her husband of over fifty-one years, John Forrest; her granddaughter, Sarah Ruhlen, who died in 2022; and two brothers and a sister.

Betty will be greatly missed by family and friends. The family will observe a private remembrance.

They would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Brentwood at Niles and Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care and emotional support throughout Betty’s illness.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Betty be made to Rikki’s Refuge, Post Office Box 56, 10910 Barr Lane, Rapidan Virginia 22733, RikkisRefuge.org., or Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles, Michigan 49120, fernwoodbotanical.org

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.