Elizabeth "Betty" Josephine Samuel

Elizabeth “Betty” Josephine Samuel

Merrill, Michigan

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully at Merrill Fields Assisted Living on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the age of 96 years. This facility is located on the grounds owned by her mother, with the house next door being the one she lived in until the age of 22. The daughter of the late Joseph and Sophia Sefcik (Hanacik), Betty was born on March 30, 1927. She was a proud graduate of Sacred Heart High School and while there met the love of her life, James B. Samuel Sr. They were married on May 28, 1949 and spent 53 wonderful years together. He predeceased her on May 14, 2002.

Betty was self sufficient, determined and loved by everyone who came to know her. In her free time she enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing clothes, gardening and tending to her flowers, traveling, and bowling.

Surviving are four sons: Dan (Bev) Samuel of Sanford, Bob (Lynn) Samuel of Central Lake, Don (Joyce) Samuel of Winfield, Kansas, and Ron Samuel of Merrill; seven grandchildren: BJ Samuel, Alex Samuel, Joshua Samuel, Justin Samuel, Joann Biggs, Joe Samuel, and Jeff Samuel; four step-grandchildren: Sissy Jo Kingsbury, Troy Ridgeway, Monty Ridgeway, and Tony Ridgeway. Betty is also survived by many more great-grandchildren, family, and friends.

Besides her spouse and parents, Betty was predeceased by her son Jim Jr.; three brothers and three sisters: Steven (Dolores) Sefcik, Sophia (Leo) Woollard, Helen (Julius) Kaufman, Mary (John) Lichon, Anthony (Florence) Sefcik, and her twin Edward Sefcik.

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. July 21, 2023 at St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 419 S. Midland Street, Merrill. Rev. Fr. Michael Steltenkamp, S.J. will officiate with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St. John XXIII Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or on our website at www.casefuneralhome.com