Betty J. Fretwell

HUDSON- Betty J. Fretwell, age 91, of Hudson, Michigan, passed away early Monday morning, December 30, 2024, at her daughter’s home surrounded by the love of her family, and under the care of Hospice of Lenawee. Betty was born on September 11, 1933, in Palmyra, MI, the oldest of Clare and Luella (Loveland) Burch’s four children. She graduated from Hudson High School with the Class of 1951. Shortly after graduation, Betty married Claude C. Allen, and they were blessed with five children- Gary, David, Debbie, Sharon and Bill. The family suffered a great loss when Claude passed away in 1969 following his battle with cancer. Betty stayed busy raising her family and working at Wacker Silicone for 20 years as an assistant chemist. She was very artistic and taught painting classes out of the family home for many years. She excelled at Brazilian embroidery, knitting and crocheting. She was a talented quilter and family members were often on the receiving end of personalized quilts. Betty was fortunate to find love again and married John “Mike” Fretwell on October 21, 1971. Mike had two sons, Michael and Terry that he brought with him into their new blended family. The family was finally complete when Betty and Mike welcomed their daughter Kimberly. Betty and Mike were a wonderful team as parents and also as crafters going to many local craft shows. Mike would create and cut the wood products and Betty would finish them with her beautiful painting. For many years, Betty and Mike were snowbirds, living 6 months of the year at Lady Lake, Florida. In addition to her husband, Mike, Betty is survived by their children, Debbie (Jeff) Wolcott, Sharon (Scott) Allen, Bill (Deb) Allen, Kimberly Laura, Michael Fretwell and Terry Fretwell; 17 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Janice (Joel) Wood, Phyllis (Dan) Mehan) and Richard (Dorothy) Burch. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Claude Allen; sons, Gary and David Allen; and great-grandsons, Isiah Stephens and Issac Allen. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. Funeral services will be private and cremation to follow. Betty will be laid to rest at Palmyra Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Betty J. Fretwell

September 11, 1933 - December 30, 2024