Betty Tomlinson

Betty J. Tomlinson, age 88 of Kalamazoo, died at Rose Arbor Hospice on December 28, 2023, after a short stay at Borgess Hospital. She was born on August 16, 1935, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Antone and Mary (Koelman) Wilgenhof. She was a 1952 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School. On January 3, 1953, she married Ralph Tomlinson, Jr. and they shared 56 years together, until his death in 2009. Prior to raising a family, Betty worked at Michigan Bell for two years. When her children were grown, she worked part time at Newmeyer Greenhouse. Her role as a mother, wife and homemaker will be what she is remembered for. She worked hard to make the children feel special, including baking special almond (banket) treats for them with their initial for holidays. Betty enjoyed time with her family and supporting them throughout their lives. She liked to spend time crocheting and knitting. In later years, she spent many hours putting together puzzles.

Her family includes her children: Rose Brenner, Michael (Deborah) Tomlinson, Jeffrey (Sally) Tomlinson, and Bryan (Connie) Tomlinson; eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; her sister Sally (Paul) Tomlinson; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph Tomlinson, Jr.; her son-in-law, Richard Freeman; her brothers and sister: Garrett Wilgenhof, Anthony Wilgenhof, Bert Wilgenhof, and Mary Ann Dark.

Friends may visit with the family from 6:00-8:00 PM on Wednesday, January 3^rd, 2024, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Location, 411 E. Centre Avenue. A private interment will be in Boughton Cemetery, Scotts. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to Rose Arbor Hospice. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign Betty's online guestbook or leave a condolence to the family.