Elizabeth "Betty" Sutton

TRAVERSE CITY-Betty Sutton, 97, a longtime resident of Traverse City, peacefully passed away November 10th at The Villa of Traverse City where she resided for the past year.

Betty was born May 25th, 1927, in Bay City, Michigan to Lee and Bella Vaughn. In her younger days she worked at the family bakery and pursued her love for music and dance. Betty was a gifted singer and musician. At the age of twelve she participated on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour in NYC which was today's equivalent of America's Got Talent. Upon returning to Bay City, she performed almost nightly at local theaters and talent shows. She also performed the National Anthem at was then Tiger Stadium in Detroit at a young age.

In 1955 she moved to Traverse City where she lived until her passing. During this time, she maintained her love of music while singing in the Immaculate Conception Choir for over 50 years. She also sang at what was then the Traverse City State Hospital on a weekly basis, was past President of the Traverse City Musicale, sang at countless funerals and weddings, and spent time performing at Interlochen.

Though always busy she found time to work as she spent over 25 years employed at Covell Funeral Homes where she loved helping people during some difficult times. Betty retired from Covell in 2002.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, numerous siblings, and stepson Jim Sutton who she treated as her own. She is survived by her son Kevin Sutton, sister Joyce Grant, and many nieces and nephews.

Per her request cremation has taken place. Final arrangements will be held in the future with interment at Saint Patrick's Cemetery in Bay City, alongside her parents and siblings. A memorial mass will also be held at a future date in Traverse City.

The family would like to thank The Villa at Traverse Point for their excellent care of Betty during her time there. They also would like to thank Life Story Funeral Home for overseeing the arrangements.

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