Betty Joann (Peterson) Violetta

Betty was born on December 21, 1932 in Chatham, MI a daughter of Julius and Esther (Johnson) Peterson. The oldest of eight children, Betty was raised at her family farm in Eben Junction. She was a graduate of Eben High School class of 1951 and following graduation moved to Marquette where she started working as a waitress. Shortly after moving to Marquette, Betty became ill with Tuberculosis and spent two years rehabilitating at the Morgan Heights Sanitarium. In April of 1957, Betty married Allen Joe Violetta and the couple set about establishing a home and raising a family in Negaunee. In 1964, Betty and her family moved to Gwinn and Betty remained in the family home until her passing.

Betty’s home was a popular place were anyone who came to visit would always feel at home. Many times her children’s friends came over to visit Betty as much as her own children did. In her free time, she loved reading, writing poetry, picking blueberries and often sold blueberries and vegetables from her porch. Whenever you would visit there was always something cooking in the kitchen. Over the years Betty received numerous awards for her cooking. She was a talented seamstress who was known for her many crafts. Her talent created many quilts, ceramics and Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls that her family enjoyed over the years.

Betty will be missed and remembered most as a caring and giving person.

Survivors include her two children, Jay Violetta and Lori (Phillip R. DePetro) Violetta; eight grandchildren, Jason Violetta, Brandi Violetta, Kylee Violetta, Sierra Violetta, Dakota Violetta, Kelsey McMaster and Derrek McMaster; four great-grandchildren, Jhaedyn Vang, Loriana Violetta, Konner McMaster and Isaac McMaster; her brother, Robert Peterson and her sister, Karen Bostwick.

She was preceded in death by her two children, Joseph Clayton Violetta and Kelly Kay Violetta and her siblings, Ralph Peterson, Donald Peterson, Kenneth Peterson, Clayton Peterson and Barbara Hautimaki.

Friends may call at the Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn, on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 from 3:30 pm until 4:30 pm. Funeral services will be held in the church on Tuesday at 4:30 pm with Rev. Andrew Plocher officiating. A lunch will be served immediately following the service in the church hall.

The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderfuneralhome.com.