Elizabeth Yatch, 96, of Midland , died Monday, April 3, 2017 at Medilodge of Midland. One of fourteen children, she was born in Pennsylvania January 10, 1921, daughter of the late John and Mary Berish. She married the love of her life, Joe Yatch in 1947, and lost Him to cancer in 1993 after forty-six years of marriage. Growing up in Detroit, Betty cherished playing softball with the Detroit Keller Girls in the late 30's and early 40's. The Keller Girls played teams across the U.S. and Canada. During the first game of the world championships, played in Detroit in 1940, they knocked off the reigning world champions from California by a final score of 2 to 1 in extra innings. A knee injury cut her softball career short and gave Betty time to get married and give birth to five sons that she passed her love of life, sports and outdoors on to. After moving to a home on Chippewa River Road, she had a favorite fishing hole on the bank of the Chippewa River, teaching her sons the fine art of cleaning the backlash out of the ole level wind reel. After many years she finally got her “daughters” that her boys were fortunate to meet, court, and marry. Betty was a loving mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandma, and great grandmother as well as friend to all who knew her. During family gatherings you could count on her belting out a few songs that always seemed to end with a "poo poo pe doop" that brightened everyone's day. Betty's faith and love of God was something she held very close to her, her entire life.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joe, son David, grandson Adam, daughter in-law Sheri, and 12 brothers and sisters. She is survived by Mary Jane (David) Yatch, Joe and Laura Yatch, Edward Yatch, George and Sherrie Yatch, Jerry (Sheri) Yatch, brother Albert Berish, eleven grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren

The family would like to thank the staff of Medilodge of Midland for the great care and comfort given to Betty while living at their facility.

The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2017 from St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church, 207 Ashman Street. Father Patrick O’Connor will officiate, with internment in Homer Township Cemetery. Elizabeth’s family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church or Midland Senior Services Meals on Wheels.

The Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors
Midland Chapel