Betty Joan Demitroff

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Betty Joan Demitroff on December 18, 2010. Mom was born on October 24, 1926 at home in Plymouth, Indiana to Ruth and Henry Grossman. She began her working career at 14 at the local Kroger store and then began a lifetime career as a legal secretary working over 29 years in the Michigan Department of Transportation, DNR, and as assistant journal clerk in the House of Representatives. Following her â€œretirementâ€ she also provided temporary support for the Michigan Youth Corps and the Secretary of State. At 9 she won a state competition playing her accordion and advanced to the national competition in New York. She performed for various groups in Michigan and Indiana and providing a continuing bit of humor by playing â€œBeer Barrel Polkaâ€ for a meeting of the Womenâ€™s Christian Temperance League, a group not favoring drinking! Bowling was a major part of her life with her first state tournament in 1953, family operation of North Lanes bowling alley, and being co-founder of the original Mikeâ€™s Pro Shop for bowlers which began in the basement of the family home before moving to Lansing. In her evening hours she crocheted over 200 shawls which were donated to various hospice and senior home facilities. In passing she leaves daughter, Sue Landon of Grand Ledge, sons, Dan Demitroff (Lori) of Williamston and Kendal Demitroff of DeWitt, brother, Wayne Grossman of Grand Ledge, and grandchildren Zachary, Katelyn and Haley Demitroff. She is also survived by her aunt, Catherine Mahler of Plymouth, Indiana, uncle, Keith Stiles of Chula Vista, California, numerous cousins, and many lifetime friends. Special thanks to Helen Oski, Jamie Kinney and Lacie Latimore for their assistance in helping Mom make her transition. In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A family and friends remembrance, casual dress, will be held on Sunday, December 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Holihan Atkin Funeral Home, 406 N. Bridge Street, Grand Ledge, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W. Grand River Ave. Lansing, Michigan 48916.

Betty Joan Demitroff

October 24, 1926 - December 18, 2010