Betty Grace Boss

Age 85, passed away on April 20, 2019. Betty was born in Leachville, Arkansas, the daughter of Harold Clifton and Vera Elizabeth (Anthony) Wheeler. She received her Bachelor and Master’s degrees from Western Michigan University. Betty became an airline stewardess for American Airlines and later became a teacher at Bard Elementary School in Benton Harbor. In 1975, Betty was employed at Kalamazoo Community Mental Health (KCMH). She helped develop the KCMH plan for deinstitutionalization. She became one of the three liaisons between Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospitaln and Kalamazoo Mental Health to help carry out community placement for people who had been institutionalized. Her dedication to and compassion for people with mental illness was exemplary. She retired in 1995. In 1977, Betty married the love of her life, Stuart Mitchell Boss, who preceded her in death. Betty was a vibrant, happy person with a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh. She loved golf, casinos, dancing, yoga, Tai Chi, crafts, the Kentucky Derby and once rented ½ of an island to spend time alone with Stuart. She hosted family reunions, grand dinners with her many friends and Halloween parties with spooky trails, palm readers and live musicians. Known affectionately as Betty Boop by her friends, and loved by her family, she leaves nothing behind but beautiful memories. She is survived by her children, Mark (Cindy) Greanias of San Jose, CA, and Andrea Greanias of Paw Paw; step-children, Dr. Nancie Boss Hudson of San Luis Opisbo, CA, and Steve (Lisa) Boss of Allendale; 4 step-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides Stuart, she was preceded in death by her parents and 6 siblings.