On December 3, 2023 The Lord Jesus Christ came and took Bethyne by the hand to lead her to heaven to join the communion of saints.

Beth was born on February 17, 1952 in Reed City, MI to Robert and Margaret (Wilson) Pontz. She is survived by her brother and sister in law, Lynn and  Nancy Pontz of Ludington, MI;  sister and brother in law, Nancy and John Dotson of Cookeville, TN; niece, Nicole (Jeff) Paquin and family of Greer, SC; nephews, Christopher Pontz of Williamston, MI, Matthew (Sarah) Dotson of Lake Forest, CA and Michael Dotson of Severence, CO; and special friends, Kim and Roy Peasley, Tammy and Jason Belcher, Matt and Christy Bell and her sister-of-the-heart, Kathleen Filkins.

As a child Bethyne was always outside and running everywhere she went. She discovered a love of baseball and when old enough joined the summer recreation softball league. That started a 30+ year love affair with the game; playing every position at least once on seven different teams and winning state fast-pitch tournaments three times.

The "off season" was filled with bowling, sometimes three leagues a week. Her focus was to enjoy being with her teammates and competing with herself to improve her game.

Bethyne loved to sing. Although quite shy as a youngster, she learned to appreciate the gift God had given her and willingly sang, especially in church. She was privileged to be involved with the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Alumni Choir for ten summers and enjoyed singing "good" music. For 20 years Beth also enjoyed singing in a women's barbershop quartet with friends, Helen Jones, Millie Gillies and Donna Drake.  In this group she developed the skill to "carry" her own part and was finally able to sing in her "tenor range" where she was most comfortable.

Beth's love for God and music led her to the opportunity to be a church musician. She played for worship at Immanuel Lutheran Church for almost 10 years and then at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church for 15 years, where was also choir director for five years.

Throughout her life, in good times and bad and especially during the last battle with cancer, Bethyne was happy to say that her first love was for Jesus Christ. Ask her where her strength and joy came from, she would tell you that Jesus was her Rock, her Refuge, her Shield , her Strength. To Him be honor and glory and praise! "

There will be a service of faith and celebration at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 323 S. State Street, Big Rapids, MI on Wednesday, December 13th at 11:00 a.m. with a 10:30 a.m. visitation prior to the service.

Memorials may be directed to the church.