Betty Lee Olewiler

Betty Lee Olewiler

Betty Lee Olewiler—beloved wife, mother, stepmother, (great) grandmother, sister, and aunt—passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, in Kirkland, Washington, surrounded by her children. She was 100 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, and two grandchildren, Karisa (Lee) Cruz and Jacob Zenter.

Born in 1925 in Detroit, Michigan, Betty was the only daughter of Herman and Marion (Demarois) Kern and the second eldest of seven children. She was raised on the family farm in Adrian, Michigan, and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1943. The day after graduation, she boarded a train to Detroit, and happily became a city girl.

In 1946, Betty met Clarence Lee and married on May 30, 1948. Together they raised five children in Redford Township and Livonia, Michigan. Betty created a warm and welcoming home, always filled with family, friends, home-cooked meals, fresh-baked cookies, and church activities. There was invariably an extra place set at her table. Clarence passed away in 1983.

A few years later, Betty moved to Bradenton, Florida, where she embraced the sunshine and coastal lifestyle. In 1993, she met her neighbor, Bob Olewiler, and they married the following year. Bob preceded her in death in 2016.

Betty’s Catholic faith remained a steadfast and guiding presence throughout her life.

She is lovingly remembered by her five children: Sharon of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Rick (Karen) of Seattle, Washington; Mike (Ann Marie) of Novi, Michigan; Greg (Brenda) of Warren, Michigan; and Mary (Todd) Zenter of Kirkland, Washington. She is survived by her grandchildren Kevin Lee, Amber (Lee) Burtch, and Claire Zenter, as well as ten great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Mom’s sister in laws, Donna, Sharon and Fay Kern, Brother Ken (Fran) Kern.

Bob’s family also held a special place in her heart, especially Sue Bell and Stephanie (Dan) Morris.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Betty’s life at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Kirkland, Washington, Friday, April 10, 9AM

Burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan.  There will be a small chapel prayer service for our Michigan friends and family.  Saturday, June 13^th, 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to a charity of your choice.