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Betty E. Yonkers, age 88 of Norton Shores, passed away July 6, 2017 in Muskegon. She was born October 4, 1928 in Muskegon Heights to George Harold and Lola (Ridgeway) Yonkers. She attended K-12 schools in Muskegon Heights, graduating in 1946. As she continued her education she received a Bachelor's degree from Western Michigan College of Education (now W.M.U.) in 1950. She received her Master's degree from the University of Michigan in 1956. She continued to receive further graduate credits through grants from the National Science Foundation (post Sputnikers). Betty taught secondary mathematics in Niles, Michigan Community Schools from 1950-1986. Upon retirement she returned to her hometown area. When not attending summer school session to earn credits toward advanced degrees, Betty traveled extensively around the U.S.A. and Canada. One summer she spent a lengthy time in Europe with her sister Louise Yonkers and Aunt Dorothy Ridgeway. Betty is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Harold and Robert Yonkers. She is survived by her sister, Louise Yonkers; niece, Lynn (Steve) Brock; great nephew, Jason (Angie) Brock; great-great-nephew, Wyatt Brock and great-great-niece, Lily Brock. There will be no visitation or public services. Burial will be in the Yonkers family plot at Mona View Cemetery. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100.
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Anne Rigby (Haley)
A true NHS institution! It was always fun going into her classroom, just to see what would happen! "Bouncing Betty" always knew what was going on at school and in town. Any time a student was mentioned in the Daily Star the article was clipped and placed on his/her desk (how many copies of the Star did she receive?!) She always encouraged students to think and question yet still insisting on excellence. A smile broadens across my face when I think of her. I am thankful that I was fortunate to be one of her students.
Steve Richter (Class Of '75)
While I never had her as a math teacher, I do clearly remember her devotion to her students. Her little newspaper clipping habit proved to be rather amusing, as even if your appearance in the Daily Star was for something less than laudable ie drunk driving or a speeding ticket, she never failed to clip it out and put it on your desk. She was an equal opportunity supporter of all her students. For whatever reason, I always thought she was older than my parents. I am surprised to find out that she was only 4 years older than them. She had a positive impact on a lot of students.
Sharon Simons (Hettinger)
I, too, was the recipient of Betty Yonker's magic sheers...she sent me numerous clippings from the papers, and always wrote a nice comment on them. She seemed to take enjoyment of sharing --perhaps her role as a Mama Hen to many chickens? -- clippings with each of us (interesting to read Steve Richter's post re: drunken driving!) and our families.
Dana Daniels
It was interesting to me that this past Sunday, July 9, I was in Ms. Yonkers' old classroom with the Superintendent of NCS. If you could see it right now, it is pretty well torn apart, no windows or ceilings, all cabinents torn out, etc. He and I even had a short discussion about Ms. Yonkers and how dedicated she was to her skills. Once the construction is done, I think she would be pleased to see the commitment the community has made to her craft. Given her years of teaching, it is hard to imagine the thousands of students she impacted. She was an icon.
Tim Newsted (Newsted)
I am grateful that I had Betty Yonkers as a teacher. She was devoted to her job and to her students. I appreciated not just the newspaper clippings, but also her thorough comments on each graded paper.