Betty Jane Norcross

Betty J. Norcross was born on the 6th of December, 1927, in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the daughter of Yondale Cochrane and Seymour Cochrane. She married her high school sweetheart, Neil Leroy Norcross, on the 25th of November, 1950. They were happily married for over 58 years. 

Betty went to be with her Lord on Tuesday afternoon, May 21, 2024. She passed away in the presence of family at Story Point in Portage. Betty was a teacher and homemaker. Betty attained a physical education bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. Betty enjoyed camping, gardening, playing games, traveling, and Tiger’s baseball. She was a member of the Milwood Methodist Church for over 50 years. 

For over 22 years, Neil and Betty enjoyed Florida winters where they made many great friends. Always the competitor, Betty’s greatest joy in life was spending time with family, especially playing games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Neil. She is survived by her four children, Lee (Bonnie) Norcross of Grand Rapids, Karen (Michael) Gray of Kalamazoo, Neil (Cecilia) Norcross of Allegan, and Roy (Elaine) Norcross of Hamilton; her grandchildren, Shalain (Todd Vandeweerd) Gray, Adam (Holli) Norcross, Joseph (Tareyn) Norcross, Joshua Norcross, Lindsey (Robert) Landeck, Cody (Desiree) Norcross, Justin (Jill) Norcross, Luke (Blakeley Kiser) Norcross, Tracy (James) Tyson, Marie (Brian) Gott, Hope Hertz, Christy (Mike) Wolkwitz; and nine great-grandchildren. Betty is also survived by her nieces and nephews: David Goff, Diane (Dick) Dekam, Karl Hokenmaier, Glen (Cindy) Hokenmaier, Deb (Jim) Houseman, and Robert (Kairi) Hokenmaier. 

A Memorial service will be at the Milwood United Methodist Church, 3919 Portage Rd, on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at 11:00 am, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Milwood United Methodist Church or Centrica Care Navigators. Arrangements were made by the Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services. To leave an online condolence, visit https://www.langelands.com