Betty Lou Zagrodnik

Betty Lou Zagrodnik, age 80, of Clinton Township, Michigan, passed away on May 24, 2020 with loving family at her side.

Betty was born on January 31, 1940 in Aynor, South Carolina and was the daughter of the late Kirk Gideon and Agnes Lea Tyler. In 1961 she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her then husband John Collins Edge, who preceded her in death in 1966. She entered the workforce at American Motors where she was a keypuncher in the early days of computers. She was so fast and accurate at her work, they never verified it. While at American Motors she met Dennis Zagrodnik and they were married in the fall of 1970. After the birth of their son, she became a totally devoted full time mother to her three daughters and son. She was always a 'people' person and became an active member in the Greendale Newcomers Association. Card groups (bridge and canasta), golf outings, bowling leagues and gourmet groups kept her busy in the people business. As the children grew, she found the time to get an Associates Degree in Accounting, graduating with honors. She worked for Manpower as an Accountant and eventually became the Clinic Manager for a local pediatrician.

She moved to Michigan with her husband in 1989 as part of the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler. Whether in Wisconsin or Michigan, she was always a big family reunion promoter. She guided the family to all family gatherings across the country, be they Tyler, Cartrette, Edge, Becker or Zagrodnik. Dennis' business trips became mini-family reunions if family or friend were within 200 miles of the destination. Of course, if the destination had a bingo hall or casino, it was even better.

There wasn't a person she could not talk to. If you came within a couple feet of her, she was sure to strike up a conversation with you. Friendly conversation was her style, but she was capable of serious discussion whether you wanted her opinion or not. Her caring personality put people at ease earning her both respect and love. She will be missed.

Loving wife of Dennis; beloved mother of Sherry (Thomas Lewis), Debra Edge (Bill Borges, Jr.), Cynthia Funmaker, and Dennis II (Michelle). Grandmother of Melinda (Matt Mals), Anthony Lupo (Michele Prada), John Edge, Samuel Funmaker II, Shawn Funmaker (Joshua), Natalie Edge-Krueger, Sabrina Lewis, Collin Karst, Tanner Zagrodnik and Wyatt Karst. Great-Grandmother to Austin Mals, Dustin Mals, Gianna Lupo, Paige Labelle, Isabella Mals, Westin Mals, Angelina Lupo, Jaxtin Mals, Briella Mals and Kashtin Mals. Sister to two brothers and two sisters: Kirk Gideon Tyler, Jr., Jerry Tyler, Doris Adler (Jim) and Carolyn Tyler. Also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Two sisters preceded her in death: Elise Tyler and Bonnie Tyler White Watson. A son-in-law, Samuel Funmaker, also preceded her in death.

She loved babies and her children and grandchildren blessed her with 20 beautiful bundles of joy to dote upon over the last 40 years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Judes Childrens Hospital or Shriners Childrens Hospital or Smile Train, her three favorite charities.

A memorial service will be held at St. Veronica's Catholic Church in Milwaukee, WI on Friday, July 17 at 10:30 AM.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Lou Zagrodnik, please visit our floral store.