Betty LaCroix (Saur)

Betty LaCroix, age 79, of Grand Rapids passed away Friday, July 20, 2018. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene LaCroix (2006); and her parents, Arthur and Emma Saur.  She is survived by her children, Eugene Jr. (Nancy) LaCroix, Dave LaCroix, Holly (Jim) Johnson, Steve (Lee) LaCroix, Don (Denise) LaCroix, Suzanne (John) Petz; and Mark (Lori) LaCroix; sisters, Arlene (Earl) Welling and Sharon (Gene) Lambson; 19 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; as well as several nieces and nephews.Betty attended Davenport Institute of Business, graduated, and was the long term executive secretary to the president. She was on the Board of Trustees for Davenport College for many years, one of the first women trustees.  She was also an active and life member of the Alpha Iota Sorority. Betty was very proud to have been the recipient of the 1985 Distinguished Alumni Award. After her career at Davenport, she worked together with her husband, Gene, to realize their dream of opening the Onion Crock Restaurant, a Grand Rapids icon for many years. Betty loved gardening, flowers, and creating beautiful pieces of art for her family. She was also a small engine pilot in an era when female pilots were a rarity. She was most happy when watching the sunrise over the sparkling water at Pretty Lake where the family has had a cottage for over 62 years. Countless happy memories were made there and she requested that they continue. Visitations will be Thursday, July 26, 5-8 PM. with a Rosary at 7:30 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 27, 11:00 AM at St. Paul The Apostle Church, 2750 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids. Rev. Peter Damian officiating. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Kids Food Basket, 2055 Oak Industrial Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 or American Cancer Society, 129 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508.