Betty Jane Wachter

Betty Jane Wachter, age 90, died on October 11, 2025 at Blissful Cottage in Petoskey, Michigan.

She was born on September 26, 1935 in Newberry, Michigan to Genevieve (Belleville) and Emmet Vallier, Sr.  Betty grew up in Naubinway, Michigan and graduated from  Engadine Consolidated Schools with the class of 1953. She attended Northern Michigan University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education.

On August 18, 1956, she married the love of her life, Richard Lee Wachter at St. Stephen’s Catholic Mission church in Naubinway, Michigan. The two shared 69 wonderful years of marriage.

Betty taught first grade for 21 years, in Marquette, and Ishpeming.  She was a substitute teacher for many years at Cheboygan Area Elementary Schools.  She also taught Catechism at the St. Mary/St. Charles Parish in Cheboygan for many years, seeking to share with others the strong connection she had with her faith.  She was a member of the Roundabouts ladies’ club, St. Francis Xavier in Petoskey, and Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine of Indian River where she and Richard volunteered as greeters for many years. Betty would describe this position and period of her life as immensely enriching.

Betty found joy in many things, including cooking, entertaining, singing, boating, attending church, and camping.   Her greatest joy came from being with her family and friends.  She deeply loved her children and grandchildren and cherished every moment with them. She wished to be remembered for her “unconditional love of children”, a dedication that showed throughout both her chosen career and personal life.

Betty is survived by her children Brian (Linda Anderson) Wachter of Cheboygan, Brenda (Dr. Mark) Kulbieda of Petoskey,  and Beth (William) Albrecht of Carp Lake; grandchildren Brennon Wachter, Ellaree Wachter, Faith Kulbieda, Jackson Kulbieda,  Alicia (Kris) Konicki, and Ashley (Tyler) Reeve; great-grandchildren Harlan Reeve, Kris (KJ) Konicki, Jr., and Lucy Konicki;; brothers Emmet Vallier Jr. and Olivier Vallier; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Betty is preceded in death by husband, Richard Wachter; her parents, Emmet and Genevieve Vallier; as well as her siblings Iona (Dolly), Lois, Genevieve, and Yvonne.

There will be a memorial mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Friday October 24, 2025 with visitation at 1pm and mass following at 2:00pm.  Betty will be laid to rest next to Richard at the Garfield Township Cemetery in Naubinway at a later date.

The Wachter family extends a heartfelt thanks for the compassionate care from the staff at Blissful Cottage and McLaren Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen Catholic Mission Church (stgregorysmissions.com).