Betty Jane (Dirr) Andrews

Known for her warm smile, full cookie tins, and love of her family and friends, Betty Jane (Dirr) Andrews completed her 101 year journey with grace, on March 28, 2026. 

Betty attributed her longevity to having a great family, beginning with her parents, Ruth and Robert Dirr. As their only child, born on February 15, 1925, Betty longed for the company of other children, which led to her dad petitioning the school board to allow her to attend school early. She did, and walked to a one room schoolhouse. Betty graduated from Holgate High School and continued building countless friendships over the years, including those with her Linger Longer club for over 75 years and her Wednesday night supper club.

Betty met a handsome sailor on VJ Day, in 1945, who became the love of her life and husband of 74 years. Betty and Bill were married on June 14, 1947, and built a beautiful life together raising their children, Bruce and Bonnie. They were lifelong members of Emmanuel‘s Christian Church, where Betty was active in church choir, Womens Guild and Go-Getters. They were travel companions to Round Lake and Sanibel Island, where Bill caught fish and “Betts” cooked them. Betty enjoyed all crafts, in particular those with shells, and was a homemaker, whose kitchen smelled like pan dowdy and always had a small vase of fresh cut flowers from her garden.

Betty is survived by her children, Bruce (Beth) Andrews of Brooklyn, MI, and Bonnie (Dwight) Kalita of Defiance. Her legacy will carry on through her grandchildren: Heather (Chad) Patrick, Robb (Theresa) Andrews, Randy Andrews, Brian (Miae) Kalita, and Kevin (Patti) Kalita, and her 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Annabelle Roth.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bill.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. Pastor Ed Briggeman will officiate the funeral service to celebrate her life on Thursday, April 2 at 11:00 AM, at Schaffer Funeral Home, with an additional visitation for the hour prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Emmanuel‘s Christian Church, or to a charity of the donors choice. 

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