Elizabeth (Betty) Gustafson passed away Sunday morning February 3, 2019. She was 91 at her passing and had been a 32 year resident at “On Top of the World” retirement community in Ocala, Fl. Betty was mother to five children, Leslie, Mark, David, Bonnie, and Paula and is survived by her sons, Mark of Margate, Fla and David of Harrison Twp, MI., and daughter Bonnie Stenerson of Frisco, CO. Grandchildren Kathy Large, Brian Large, Brandon Large, Brian Stenerson, Kristin Stenerson, Kevin Stenerson, and Preston VanDuesen, Blake VanDeusen, and great grand daughter Zoey Large and great grandson Brandon VanDeusen.
Betty Married her Albion college classmate Paul (Bud) Engstrom who passed away in 1963, briefly to Arthur (Bud) Large and eventually remarried to husband Robert (Gus) Gustafson who passed away in 1999. Betty raised her children at Gull Lake, MI where she enjoyed many years of boating and water sports. Not known to prefer housework over spending time with her family, Betty often played host to the many friends of her children. Betty was also a devoted golfer and upon her retirement from the State of Michigan as a social worker/vocational rehab counselor, she relocated to Ocala, Fl where she and her husband Gus spent their retirement years perfecting their golf game. Betty was very serious about her golf and was twice club champion at “On Top of the World” retirement community in 2001 and 2003.
In later years Betty suffered from COPD which made enjoying her golf much more difficult. Never one to complain she continued to pursue her love of golf until the last 2 or 3 years. Betty is often self-described as “a bit devilish”, “fiercely independent” and by all as a great person to simply be around. She had a way of making everyone feel welcomed and appreciated.
Betty will certainly be missed and her final wish is that we all celebrate the times we enjoyed with her.The family request no flowers at this time.