Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Gaff

Betty was born on March 23, 1949, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she graduated from Fort Wayne High School.

Betty was united marriage to Fred Gaff and the couple resided in various places of the United States while Fred was in the service. The couple decided to make their home in Houghton to raise their family.

Betty was employed as an administrative assistant for the faculty at Michigan Technological University. During her time at MTU, she was very proud to have been one of the primary sources in developing the UAW Union at the university. While at MTU, she was awarded the Donovan Award which was given out yearly to the university’s outstanding employee.

After retiring from MTU, Betty worked the next 12 years at Curves for Women, changing her life and the lives of many women with her charismatic and caring personality.

Betty was active at the First United Methodist Church of Hancock where she enjoyed being a member of the choir.

Betty’s simple pleasures that brought her joy were reading, counted cross stitch, watching movies, dining out, spending time with family and friends and sharing stories. One of her favorite stories she liked to share was the time she was chosen to be on the televised Michigan Lottery show, where she turned down a brand-new car, with hopes of winning the grand prize in which she did.

Preceding her in death were her mother, Marie Hafer; and her sisters, Phyllis and Nancy.

Surviving are her lifetime friend of 22 years, Cherri Datto of Dollar Bay; children, Chuck (Connie) Gaff of Houghton, Jennifer (Ben) Wiegert of Madison, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Breanna Datto, Katie and Brett Gaff, Jack and Nick Wiegert; brothers, John and Paul Hafer; and several nieces, nephews, cousins; and many friends.

Betty will be deeply loved and sadly missed forever!

A funeral service for Betty will be held 3 p.m. Friday, April 1, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church of Hancock with Rev. Scott Lindenberg to officiate.

Spring burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery of Houghton.

Friends may call on Friday, April 1, 2022, from 1-3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Hancock.

To view Betty’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service of Hancock is assisting the family with the arrangements.