May 19, 1936 — Dec. 15, 2015

Betty Gibbs, 79, of Dowagiac, passed away at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015.

Betty was born on May 19, 1936, to the late George and Pauline (Osborn) Ottinger in Hartford, Michigan. Betty was a faithful volunteer for more than 20 years at St. Vincent De Paul. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will be remembered for always being there for her family and community and “being protective of her grandchildren”.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Dorothy Starrett, Barb King, Leo Ottinger, Carol McDaniels, Richard Ottinger and Donald Ottinger; and great grandson Neil III.

She is survived by her children Roger (Dee) Essex of Dowagiac, Keith Essex of Union Michigan, Betty Baker of Dowagiac and James Gibbs of Dowagiac; grandchildren Amanda (Neil) Essex-Pence of Dowagiac, Sonya Baker of Dowagiac, Robert (Amber) Baker Jr. of Cassopolis and Shannon (Michelle) Baker of Dowagiac; step-grandchildren Angie, J.R., Christina, Kristin, Jessica, Joey, and Marissa; greatgrandchildren, Michael, Destiny, Elizabeth, Jailah, Jamere II, Kayla, Amya, Robert III, Kamron, Sean, Jeremiah, Allyssa and Skyler; and siblings, John Ottinger, of Niles, Bob (Robin) Ottinger of Marcellus, Flossie Huff of Dowagiac and Rosemary Ottinger of Dowagiac and a host of nephews, nieces and great nieces and great nephews.

A memorial service will be held for Betty at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dowagiac at a later date, please check back for more up to date information.

Those wishing to leave a message for the family may do so, on our website, at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.