Age 81, of Westland, Michigan passed away during the early morning hours of Friday, May 11th in the arms of her son Steven just two days shy of her 82nd birthday after a tough battle with cancer.

She is survived by her son Steven, daughter in law Kathy and her two grandchildren Michael (18) and Nicholas (16) and many nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Eino, brother Kenneth Riepen, and mother Ivy Bunno.

Her grandchildren Michael and Nicholas were her pride and joy. She enjoyed watching their many sporting events such as bowling, basketball and baseball. She also enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible. During her battle with cancer, the boys were an instrumental part of her drive to fight this awful disease.

Betty grew up in Detroit, and graduated from the High School of Commerce in 1954 where she played varsity basketball. She also enjoyed bowling, golf and taking Casino trips with friends.

She was a joy to all who knew her and she will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Memorial contributions in her name can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, or the Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025-4507.

A funeral service will be held in her honor 3 p.m. Sunday, May 20th at Thayer Rock Funeral Home, downtown Farmington.
Visitation on Sunday from 2 – 3 p.m. A party celebrating her life will be held following the funeral service.

Betty will be laid to rest next to her husband, Eino, at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia on Monday, May 21st.