Betty Jane Cleland

Betty J. Cleland passed away peacefully on September 26, 2019 at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born on August 17, 1927 in Jonesville, Michigan to Lee and Marcella (Branigan) Bender. Following her graduation from Jackson High School, Betty went to work for Michigan Bell as a telephone operator. She married the love of her life and best friend Stanley Cleland on September 11, 1949.  Shortly afterwards, they moved to Kalamazoo where she continued to work for Michigan Bell until they started a family.  Betty is survived by her three sons; Bruce (Penelope) Cleland, Brian (Kathleen) Cleland and Bradley (Paula) Cleland, grandchildren; Meridith Kammerzell, Jerod Cleland, Erik Cleland, Christopher Cleland, Stephen Cleland and Michael Cleland, great-grandchildren; Jordan Cook and Kaelyn Baker-Cleland.  She is preceded in death by her loving husband Stanley and her brother Jack Bender.  A memorial service will be held at Friendship Village on Saturday November 9, 2019 at 4pm.  Memorial cntributions can be made to Rose Arbor Hospice.