Betty Louise Dykstra

Betty Dykstra ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Filbrandt Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services on Mar. 10, 2026.Lifelong South Haven resident Betty Dykstra, 92, died peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Kalamazoo. Betty was born to the late Irene (Hinz) and Otto W. Laabs Sr. on March 31, 1933. She graduated from South Haven High School in 1950 and married Gordon Dykstra on November 10, 1951. Betty and Gordon raised four children and welcomed 9 grandchildren over their 57 years of marriage before Gordon's death on December 21, 2008. Betty is survived by three of those children: Karen (Mike) Verdonk; Keith (Tammy) Dykstra; and Kyle Teichow. Also surviving are grandchildren Adam Dykstra; Trevor (Nicole) Dykstra; Jenna (Brian) Kietzerow; Eric Dykstra; Jordan Verdonk; Jarred (Bridgett) Dykstra; Emily (Kent) Morris; Rebecca (Juan Marmolejo) Dykstra; and Molly Teichow. Betty also considered Miguel Angel Lasso, originally a family friend, her 10th grandchild. She was "RiRi" to her 16 great-grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins will also miss her presence.Betty will join her infant son Douglas, son Kenneth, sister Johanna Carlock, and brother Otto W. Laabs Jr., who preceded her in death.Betty was always very active in Peace Lutheran Church, where she served in the Priscilla Circle, The Loyals, and the choir. The South Haven Hospital Auxiliary was also an important place of service and socializing for many years as a "Pink Lady". In more recent years, Betty enjoyed watching sunsets at the lake, going to The Groovin' Grove to listen to music, and spending time with her family.A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 28 from 10a.m.- 12p.m. followed by a 12p.m. Celebration of Life service at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Haven. Following the service her cremains will be placed in Peace Memorial Garden in a private family ceremony.Memorial gifts may be given to Peace Evangelical Church or Al-Van Humane Society in honor of Betty. Those wishing to share a memory of Betty may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services 269-637-0333.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.