Bethel Boss

Bethel Boss, 94, of Ellsworth died on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Grandvue Medical Care Facility in East Jordan.

She was born September 12, 1927 at home near Ellsworth, Michigan, the daughter of Oscar and Ethel (Murray) Larsen.

Bethel grew up on her family’s farm and campground on Six Mile Lake and loved being outdoors and on the lake.  She enjoyed serving the campers, and the family was blessed by the friendships formed. Bethel attended Pleasant Hill Country School, graduated from Ellsworth High School, lived and worked in Traverse City and attended college in the Detroit area. She also studied showmanship and judging cattle at Michigan State University and excelled at showing cattle at fairs. Bethel was a lifelong learner and always enjoyed reading as well as writing letters to friends and relatives.

On February 19, 1949, she married Clarence Boss at the Atwood Reformed Church (now Belltower Reformed Church).  She was a member of Belltower Reformed Church and the Ladies Aid Society. She and her husband made their home on their farm in Banks Township where she was an active partner in all aspects of farming throughout her life.

Bethel also enjoyed playing softball, staying in touch with family and friends, and caring for the family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their activities including many sports, performing on piano or in a school band, and many 4-H and school activities   She enjoyed cooking and baking and served delicious home cooked meals, including homemade bread and pies, welcoming everyone to her table. She has wonderful memories of traveling with her husband and great friendships with other couples who shared in some of the trips. She was kind and patient, had a keen sense of humor, was a faithful friend to many, and truly cared about others.

Surviving are her children, Dennis Boss of Ellsworth, Sharmon Dulaney of Charlevoix, Joan Boss of Traverse City, and Elaine “Laney” Boss of Traverse City; 7 grandchildren, Cory Dulaney of Ellsworth, Leah (Todd) Olson of Charlevoix, Cailin (Matt) Tacktor of Auburn, Kelsey (“Katt”Cope) Dulaney of Oklahoma, Rachel (John) Boss-McCafferty of East Jordan, Eli Boss of Central Lake, Hannah (Sean Collins) Barrow of Kewadin; 16 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Clarence, her parents, brothers Bruce Larsen of Ellsworth, Grover “Elwood” Larsen of Onaway, grandson Seth Boss, and great-grandson Clayton Dulaney.

Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 23 at the Belltower Reformed Church, 8033 Church Rd., Ellsworth, MI 49729, and again from 12:00 noon until the time of the funeral on Friday.

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 24 at the Belltower Reformed Church with Rev. Jim Heneveld officiating.  Burial will be in Atwood Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff at Grandvue Medical Care Facility and Melanie White at the Eastport Village Care Home for the loving and compassionate care they gave Bethel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to Banks Township Fire and Rescue, PO Box 241, Ellsworth, MI 49729, or the local charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hastings Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com