Betty Jeane Hague

Betty Jeane (Messner) Hague graduated from this earth and received her "Eternal Ph.d " on October 20th, 2017. "Bette" was born June 6, 1932 in the midst of the Depression, in Dexter, MI to Clarence and Marian (Carothers) Messner, and older "Sissy" Shirley Mai (Messner) Crankshaw. The family relocated to Lansing, MI where Bette attended elementary school. She was an adorable girl with naturally curly hair like the child star of the day, Shirley Temple. She attended dance and gymnastics classes in her early years, and later was a cheerleader for Fremont Middle and High School, with a specialty in the "high kick". When she was 13 years old, in Lansing MI, the night before her family was to move to Fremont, Bette was reviewing her youth group lesson and admiring the farewell gift they had given her. Her father was trying to shut off the gas to the home as instructed by the gas company, but the valve broke and gas poured into the house. The family was able to get out just in time. The house exploded with a flash fire that reduced their belongings to a pile of rubble. In the early morning hours as they went to see the devastation, Bette spotted the gift she had received from youth group on the very top of the ash and debris. The plaster plaque not destroyed, not broken, proclaimed, "Jesus Never Fails." And Bette would always tell us - that He never did! The Messners moved to a home on Main St. in Fremont called "Bonnie Castle". Bette had a wonderful group of friends from Fremont High School. "The Fremont Group" which consisted of 7 couples, remained lifelong friends. After graduation, Bette greatly wished to dance and perform with the New York City Rockettes. She inquired and met the qualifications, but was unable to find anyone to travel to New York with her. Bette worked as a switchboard operator for Gerber in Fremont then attended Davenport College in Grand Rapids. She lived in another "castle", The Elmcrest Home for Women (the former Hazeltine Mansion on John St.) as she attended school and worked as an Arthur Murray dance instructor, and later at the offices of Doctors Hill, Webber and Weiss. Bette was thrilled to learn recently that "her castle" had been renovated and now serves as The Sanford Home for men recovering from addictions. Bette met her adoring husband, Robert Hague, as she was walking down the stairway in the Davenport building on Fulton St. Robert said hello to her friend, so Bette inquired about him. He later asked the mutual friend about her. After several requests, Bette finally agreed to meet with him for a date.. Bette and Bob were married October 21, 1955, and resided in NW Grand Rapids. They had 3 children while there, making their family : Bob, Bette, Betsy, Brian and Brenda. Bette was a homemaker and involved in the CA Frost School PTA. In 1969 the family relocated to the SE side where they had a busy, lively household. Bette was always home for her children, their friends and for anyone else who stopped by. She and Bob were active with Sherwood Park PTA , the Grand Rapids Riding Club, and attended The Woodland Drive-In Church. Bette devoted herself to biblical study with Pastor Bud Bentley and the InTouch Ministry broadcasts. In 1977, Brian's Motocross interest led Bette to be called by God to start a Motocross Ministry. Many doors and contacts opened and in March of 1978, Bette and Bob attended a Portland Trail Riders race representing Motocross Ministry. The path was cleared for Motocross Ministry to give sermons at most tracks across the state, the Amateur National Championships in Tennessee and the Red Bud TNT Professional Nationals. They worked as a team, Bette writing the message and Bob delivering it. Bette listened to and counseled many, Bob announced races, Betty took results and wrote race coverage for the Mx newspapers. She had a column " Back on the Track with Bette" in the Michigan Motorcyclist and District 14 News for many years. The Motocross years were some of her fondest memories. Eventually Bette was led to minister to prisoners with a newsletter called "Beyond the Wall". She shared light, hope and God's love with many. She made a connection with Douglas, who never knew a mother's true love and she became "Momma " to him for 35 years. In retirement, Bette and Bob worked a flea market,The Gathering Place, in Trufant, MI. Bette played inspirational music, listened to and counseled people and Bob announced market information. They made a good team and jokingly referred to themselves as "The Bob and Bette show". After Bob passed away in 2013, Bette kept busy through social media contacts, studying God's word with Dr. Charles Stanley, singing and correspondence. Despite her loss, health issues and pain, she remained positive, uniquely fashionable, and always in prayer for others. She encouraged her children in big ways - though we turned out pretty simply. She told us we could do anything! There were no limits to our ability to create and explore. When we had questions, she always encouraged us to "look it up" and that the Dictionary and the Bible were the two most important books. She modeled love and God's faithfulness. She looked for the good in everyone, and didn't care about titles or social or financial status. She taught us that everyone is important. She was concerned about a person's heart - and if they knew the Lord - and wanted them to know what she knew that "Jesus Never Fails." Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. Psalm 119:89-90 Those who enter a race go into training. They do it for a crown that will not last But, we do it for a crown that lasts forever. 1 Corinthians 9:25



Service Information

Visitation
When: Thursday, November 2, 2017 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location:
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo AveKentwood,MI 49508

Second Visitation
When: Thursday, November 2, 2017 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:
Address: 4500 Kalamazoo AveKentwood,MI 49508

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