Betty Lou “Happy” Humphrey went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010 following a brief illness. In her last days, she was eagerly looking forward to meeting the “one who holds our hand,” her Lord and Savior. She was surrounded by her family as she walked into Jesus’ arms and entered her eternal home.

Mrs. Humphrey was born Feb. 19 1930 in Niles to Robert A. and Vira (Walters) Dittmar. Betty graduated from Niles High School with the Class of 1947 and was a lifetime resident of Niles. She retired after 21 years of service from Niles Community Schools.

For 64 years, Betty served as a member of First Church of Christ in Niles. Her knowledge of the Bible and love of God was passed to hundreds of children, as she dedicated 30 years of service to teaching Sunday School.

Psalm 103:8-17 was one of her favorite Bible verses. Her commitment to Jesus Christ and living our her life to honor God was evident by her actions and was seen by all who met her.

Betty was lovingly known by her great-grandchildren and family as Grandma Happy. Spending time with her great-grandchildren was the highlight of her life. She was never too busy to have a sleep-over with her precious great-grandchildren, which was her most favorite way to spend her time.

Although Betty had many hobbies, she was faithfully devoted to her loving family. She was also involved with various activities at her church; was a member of TOPS; read to students at Howard Elementary School; enjoyed playing bingo with her friends; and packed lunches for the South Bend Center for the Homeless. Betty lived a simple life filled with joy and happiness.

On Dec. 27, 1945 in Arkansas, she married Charles R. “Bob” Humphrey, who preceded her in death on Aug. 20, 1999.

Mrs. Humphrey is survived by a son, Terry L. (Sheila) Humphrey, and a daughter, Tammy (Jerry) Long, both of Niles; grandchildren, Amy (Brett) Scott of Niles, Andrea (Michael) Ritter of Walkerton, Ind., Michael Long of Buchanan, Corey Long of Niles, Austin Long of Niles, Laura (Michael) Derliem of Niles, Paula (Dean) Heath of Niles, James (Crystal) Humphrey of Niles and Carl (Corrie) Humphrey of Niles; 19 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Maureen (Barry) Mooney of Niles.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services for Betty Lou “Happy” Humphrey will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Church of Christ-Christian in Niles with Pastor David Szymczak of the church officiating.

Interment will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Betty may be made to Michiana Christian Service Camp, 7383 Steinbauer Rd., Niles, MI 49120.