Obituary of Harrietta Leona Botkins
Age 96, of Vassar, died Saturday, July 3, 2021, in Oceana County Medical Care Facility. A graveside service will take place at 11:00 am at Tuscola Township Cemetery on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Pastor Matthew Arnold to officiate. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church general fund or to St. Luke’s Sunday School. Condolence may be shared on Harrietta’s tribute page at martinfuneralhome.com.
Harrietta was born in Millington on September 4, 1924, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lee and Ada (VanBrunt) DeGeer. Raised and educated locally, Harrietta graduated from Vassar High School with the Class of 1943. While attending high school, she worked at Eaton Foundry, working full time during the summer months. Harrietta met a handsome security guard, Ernest “Slim” Botkins while working, the two dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on April 20, 1945, in Fairgrove. Harrietta worked as a housekeeper at Caro Regional Medical Center for over 23 years before her retirement. She was very involved with the community, she belonged to St. Luke’s Ladies Society, a member of the LWMS, belonged to Cork Pine Campers, serving as secretary and treasurer, and was a member of Cass River Cloggers. Harrietta loved to travel, camp, and just spending time outdoors. She was very proud of her flower garden, every year she had new flowers. Most of all, Harrietta loved her children and grandchildren. She really enjoyed reading to her grandchildren, she was known to buy them books every chance she got. Harrietta was a wonderful person who will be dearly missed.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Marjorie Montgomery of Gilford, Michele Hoffman of Ludington; grandchildren: Dave, Mike, Kristi, and Natalie; 13 great-great-grandchildren; sev
Harrietta was preceded in death by her husband: Ernest “Slim;" her parents; daughter: Kathryn Lich; granddaughter: Beth Ann Lich; and 3 brothers and 2 sisters.