Writer Maya Angelou wrote, "To describe my mother would be to write of a hurricane in its perfect power.  Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow."  Betty J. (Hainley) Achatz, a woman of hurricane strength and rainbow color, passed away on Thursday, October 28, 2021, with several of her children and a granddaughter at her side.

Betty was born in Detroit on June 25, 1931 to the late Edgar and Bessie (Hardman) Hainley.  As a child, she wanted to be an elevator operator, but after high school, she worked for Michigan Bell in accounting before marrying the love of her life, Fred D. Achatz.  Together, they raised nine children, moved from Detroit to Ishpeming in 1976, and celebrated 64 wedding anniversaries together.

Betty was a hurricane force of nature.  She helped her husband run his plumbing business in Detroit and, later, The Plumbery Home Center in Ishpeming; taught religious education for developmentally disabled children; and was an active member of St. John the Evangelist's church choir and funeral choir for over four decades.  In addition, she served as President of the Special Education Parents' Advisory Committee for many years, helping children with special needs reach their full potential.  In what little spare time she had, Betty loved to pray, quilt, and read.

Everyone who knew Betty will remember her quick wit, beautiful smile, and generous spirit.  Devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and praying the rosary, she loved her family and friends fiercely, and spent most of her life being a rainbow, full of hope in good and difficult times.

Survivors include three sons - Fred (Diane) Achatz of Macungie, PA, Paul J. Achatz of Kingsford and Martin (Beth) Achatz of Ishpeming, four daughters- Ruth Achatz of Ishpeming, Beverly Achatz of Ishpeming, Rosemarie Achatz of Ishpeming, and Mary Beth (Brad) Wegrzyn of Spokane, WA, 2 sisters – Beverly Lievens and Marian Achatz both of St. Clair Shores, a sister-in-law Aileen VanTiem of St. Clair, grandchildren – Celeste, Gideon, Adam, Matthew, Catherine, J, Zachary, Sarah, Christopher, Heather, Shannon and Jesse along with great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fred, a son Kevin, a daughter Sally J., and sister Mary Frances Popp.

A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming, followed by visitation until 11:00 AM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will then be celebrated at 11:00 AM with Fr. Ryan Ford to officiate.  Luncheon will follow in the K/D Hall.  Private interment will take place at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Marquette.

Betty's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.