BETTY MAE KOCHIS

Betty Mae Kochis, 94, of Hillman passed away Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

Betty Mae Shirk was born June 13, 1929, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the late George and Mamie (Widman) Shirk. On Sept. 11, 1946, she married Fred Kochis. He preceded her in death on April 1, 2014. Together they owned and operated an A&W Root Beer Restaurant in Clawson from 1964 until retiring in 1988, moving to Hillman in 1999.

Betty was active in the VFW Auxiliary, delivered meals on wheels in Royal Oak, enjoyed knitting, puzzles, gardening, and was devoted to her family.

Surviving are her three sons, Fred Kochis Jr., Gary (Diann) Kochis, David (Diane) Kochis; seven grandchildren, Dana Stevens, Michelle Rowland, Paul (Amber) White, Gary Paul (Rachelle) Kochis, Meghann (Matt) Holbrook, Jeremy (Marcy) Kochis, Derek Nacker; 21 great-grandchildren, Gregory LaClaire, Jacqueline (Gino) Parisa, Megan (Landy) Sitto, Amanda Rowland, Patrick Rowland, Marissa White, Will White, Camden Kochis, Alec McFall, Bryce McFall, Becket Kochis, Garrett Kochis, Olivia Holbrook, Ian Holbrook, Gabrielle Holbrook, Sophia Kochis, Porter Kochis, Josslyn Kochis, Brooks Kochis, Jack Kochis, Cam Kochis; eight great-great grandchildren; two granddaughters-in-law, Tracy LeClaire, Shannon Kochis; brother, Richard Shirk; and sister-in-law, Joan Shirk.

Betty was preceded in death by two daughters, Diane (Harold) Vandermolen, Sue (John) Papaj; three grandchildren, Scott LeClaire, Billy Kochis, Hollie Nacker; great-grandson, Brandon Stevens; grandson-in-law, John Rowland; sister, Marion Lees; four brothers, George Shirk, Jack Shirk, Donald Shirk, and Wayne ‘Pug’ Shirk.

Cremation arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home.