Betty Spalding

Betty Marie Spalding, 85, of Traverse City, formerly DeWitt, Michigan, St. Johns, Michigan, The Villages, Florida and Coldwater, Michigan, died peacefully with family by her side Sunday November 1, 2026. She was born on June 16, 1941, in Portland, Michigan to Edward Aloysius and Eva Marie (Bushnell) Spalding.

Betty graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1959 and attended Lansing Business College.

She started her career at Oldsmobile in Lansing and was instrumental in writing the F85 Oldsmobile owner’s manual. She then was the office administrator for Paul Leak Company and later Leak Petroleum Equipment Inc, in Dewitt, Michigan.

Betty loved her little dogs, and lastly Princess Ruby. She enjoyed ceramics, and sewing and was a great seamstress. She also enjoyed time at Straits Lake in Wetmore, Michigan. Betty had a sincere love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Betty retired in 1995 and spent 25 years in her winter home in The Villages in Florida and 28 years in Coldwater Lake and later Lake George both in Coldwater, Michigan. Betty was an avid golfer, a boating enthusiast and avid camper. Betty volunteered for many years in the Coldwater Hospital gift shop. She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies Society in The Villages. She formerly attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lansing, and churches in Coldwater and The Villages.

Betty is survived by her children, Mark (Rene) Leak of Kewadin, Jamie (Barry) Hobrla of Elk Rapids, and Paul Leak II of Gilbert, Arizona; grandchildren, Abe (Katie) Wilson, Dustin (Amanda) Leak, Jason (Holly) Wilson, Jennifer (Andy) Weber, Ben (Brandy) Leak, Brett (Bre) Hobrla, and Josh (Maggie) Hobrla; fifteen great grandchildren; brother, James Spalding; niece Sherry Spalding. Betty was preceded by nephew Neil Spalding.

Donations can be made to Hospice of Michigan Pediatric Endowment fund.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.