Betty L.Gardei, age 80 of Fremont, passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at the Newaygo Medical Care Facility in Fremont following a lingering illness. Betty was born on May 30, 1931 in Fremont to Earl and Edith (Jennings) Purcey. Betty later married William F. Gardei on October 18, 1947 in Fremont. William preceded her in death on April 11, 1999. Betty has been a lifelong resident of the Fremont area where she has been a member of the First Baptist Church since she was 10 years old. Betty had worked as a cook at Janes Caf and waitress at J &J Restaurant and Dinner Bell until her retirement. She also had enjoyed knitting, crocheting and raising her family. Betty is survived by her children, Fred Gardei of Fremont; Joyce (Gene) Davidson of Holton; Donna Rae (Doug) Gillespie of Beaver Island; Rodney (Jody) Gardei of Barryton; 12 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Gardenour and Leola Murray and by her brother, Clair Purcey. VISITATION : Friday, June 24, 2011 from 10-12 at the Crandell Funeral Home Fremont Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICES : Friday, June 24, 2011 at 12pm at the funeral home. INTERMENT : Sherman Township Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : The Betty Gardei Family, C/O Crandell Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses. Friends may send a condolence or share a memory with the family online at www.crandellfh.com