Betsy Jean (Harding) Roddy

Betsy Jean (Harding) Roddy was called home to God, on Monday, August 7, 2023 at the age of 91.

She was born July 25, 1932 in Grosse Pointe to the late Flora and John Harding.

Betsy was a loving wife and devoted mother. She encouraged her children to pursue their interests whether it be horses, music lessons, competitive swimming and other sports. Holidays were special times at her home, especially Christmas. She loved everything about it including big dinners, gift giving and Christmas Eve service.

She was always there to help people that needed a hand. She was generous with her time and often helped people out financially when she could. An animal lover as well, she took in many dogs and cats over the years. Her kids managed to have fish, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, birds, a rat and even a tarantula. Life was always interesting and fun.

Betsy was artistic and worked in multiple mediums. Pencil, pastel, charcoal, watercolor, oil, ceramics and fine art pen styles. For many years she taught ceramics from her home. Her husband Gerry was teaching and doing custom stained-glass work at the same time. Together they went to several art fairs and regional shows.

She and Gerry were avid dancers, starting with ball room dancing, and then moving into square dancing. They loved it and made many friends over the years. An enthusiastic gardener, she became a certified master-gardener. They worked extensively on the landscaping in their home. Their home was showcased in the St. Clair Shores Garden Tour.

Betsy was always active in church. A longtime member of Good Shephard Methodist Church in St. Clair Shores, she sang in the church choir for many years. After that church closed, she joined Heritage Presbyterian Church where she became a Deacon. She also helped with all the landscaping and gardening.

She loved camping. Vacations often involved camping, hiking, travel, destination trips, etc. A high point was a travel trailer trip out west that included Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon stops, Mt. Rushmore and more. All planned at a time when you followed a trip tic rather than a phone screen.

Betsy is survived by her children, Lynne (Merrill) Hammill and Stephen (Andrea) Roddy; grandchildren, April (Dante) Pouget Vacca, Brendan Roddy, Kevin Roddy, Bradley (Erica) Fischer, Jennifer (Todd) Fletcher and Marcia (Anthony) McConnell; and great grandchildren, Gloria Haynes, Samantha McConnell and Colton Fletcher. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Roddy; daughter, Kelly Roddy-Fischer; father, Jack Harding; mother, Flora Irene Freihaut; and step-father, Martin Freihaut.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2023 in Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Bill Davis will officiate.

Burial will be in Cadillac Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lakeshore Presbyterian Church or the Humane Society of Macomb. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com