2017-07-15 MI Betty Noss Memorial

Betty Loretta Noss, long time resident of Jackson, Michigan, passed away on February 27, 2017. Betty was 99 years old. Born in Waterloo, Iowa to George and Delia Michael in 1918, Betty was an outgoing girl who literally married the boy next door, Earl Louis Noss in 1939. She and Earl owned a farm and had a son and a daughter. In 1944 the family moved to Prestonsburg, Kentucky where they owned a hardware store. Due to the failing mining economy of the area, the family moved again in 1952 to Jackson, Michigan where Betty would spend the rest of her life. The early years in Michigan were difficult and saw the loss of their son but also the birth of another. In 1955 they opened Earl's Cycle Center in central Jackson. After the business grew, it was relocated to Michigan Center in 1960. Betty added Page Ave Gymnastics to the property in 1973. Betty continued to keep the accounts for the motorcycle dealership and run the gym, also teaching gymnastics until her and Earl's retirement in 1993. Betty was an active member of the Motor Maids women's motorcycle club beginning in 1950 and ending only when a shoulder injury kept her from operating a motorcycle in her mid 80s. In those 40 plus years, and often accompanied by her daughter Karol, she rode to Motor Maids Annual Conventions and events in over forty states and Canada, often riding over 500 miles in a day. In the off season, Betty would host club gatherings at her spacious home on Blackstone Street, weekends that were punctuated by antiquing, craft making, food and friendship. Betty became involved in gymnastics through her volunteer work for Michigan State Men's Gymnastics Team coached by the late George Szypula. She was invaluable in keeping track of scoring during meets and scheduling for the Summer Sports School Camp at the university for over 20 years. She loved teaching gymnastics to any age but the youngest students were always her favorite. She was preceded by her husband Earl and son Mason and is survived by daughter Karol DeGraw, son Greg Noss, adopted son, Ulises Rubio, grandchildren, Penny Hendry and Tim DeGraw, and two great grandchildren. Betty's generous spirit touched and inspired many. Memorial services are being held at 1:00pm on July 15, 2017 at the DeGraw residence at 5820 Squires Road, Jackson, MI 49201. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to be made in Betty's behalf to Salvation Army, online at http://sajackson.org or at 806 E. Pearl St, Jackson, MI 49201Memorial Service for Betty Noss in Jackson, Mi
Photos may be uploaded to this gallery at https://motormaidsinc.smugmug.com/upload/hjvBbm/BettyNoss