Betty Lou Arbanas

Betty Lou Arbanas, of Kalamazoo passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023 at the age of 89 years old. Betty was born on January 12, 1934 in Kalamazoo, MI. She was the daughter of Harry and Mamie (Beck) Powers. She was a graduate of Mattawan High School. On September 11^th, 1954 she married Millard “Bud” Aukerman. Together they had four children: Richard, Carolyn, Millard “Guy”, and Jerry Aukerman. In June of 1987, Betty married Rudolph “Rudy” Arbanas. Betty and Rudy loved to travel, and some may say it was the best years of their life. They spent half the year in Mission, Texas and the other half at their property in Wellston, MI. Betty loved to walk and often would walk three miles a day. In fact, on their property in Wellston, Rudy made her a walking path that she spent a lot of time on until the day she spotted a bear. As one would imagine, after that she stopped walking on that trail. She also was known for her gardens and crocheting. And when time allowed, she would golf and bowl. The family will miss her homemade pies and pastries. Betty will be remembered by her family as loving, compassionate, kind, friendly and selfless.

The family would especially like to thank her care team with Centrica Care Navigator’s, as well as, her caring neighbors: Randy & Joyce, Randy & Beth, Debbie and Alicia.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband Rudolph “Rudy” in 2020, and her son Jerry Aukerman.

Betty is survived by her four children: Dick (Carol) Aukerman, of Pleasant Lake; Carolyn Gibson, of Marcellus; Millard “Guy” Aukerman, of Kalamazoo and Todd Arbanas, of Kalamazoo; grandchildren: Corey Aukerman, Kelly Aukerman, Ashley Van Heest, April Buckhannon, Jim Kline, Tamarha Ellison, Jessica Goodrode, Jason Gibson, Amy Lnglis, Daniel Aukerman, Bo Arbanas, Chase Arbanas, and Dylan Arbanas; 11 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

Betty will be buried next to her husband Rudy at the Fort Custer National Cemetery on Wednesday, October 11^th at 10am. Following this service, the family will host a Celebration of Life at the VFW Post 5855, 8845 S. Sprinkle Road, Portage MI, on Wednesday from 12- 3pm.

Betty’s family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002, 269-344-5600.