Betty Lois Urban was peacefully welcomed into the arms of her Lord and savior on Sunday morning, August 30th, 2026, in Holland, MI.
Betty was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to many who adored her. Betty could be described best as joyous and grateful with an infectious laugh combined with a loving and protective presence about her that provided comfort to everyone around her. Betty was a woman of faith with a gentle spirit who leaves behind a legacy rich in devotion, quiet strength, and unconditional love that forever will be remembered by her friends and family. To all of her family, Betty was a guiding light throughout their formative years and beyond.
Betty Lois Southern was born on December 15, 1943, in Manila, Arkansas, where she lived with her mother and stepfather, her parents Earline and Marshall Bryan, and two 3 siblings, James, Carol and Keith. Betty attended Holland High School where she ultimately met the love of her life and future husband, Paul Joseph Urban. Betty met and dated Paul for four years during high school until she graduated in 1962. After their relationship blossomed into true love, Paul and Betty became husband and wife on August 29, 1964.
After high school, Betty attended Beauty School and became a beautician. Betty worked at multiple beauty parlors, including Margret’s in Holland, MI, until Paul built her a beauty salon within their home, where she worked from home doing hair and nails while their daughters were young. As their daughters got older, Betty was employed at Hart and Cooley in Holland, MI for approximately 15 years. Eventually, Betty moved on from Hart and Cooley and went back to her passion as a nail technician in Zeeland, MI at Studio 119 where she also worked with her daughter, Michelle.
Outside of work, Betty developed a passion for multiple hobbies throughout her life, including but not limited to: garage sales, bargain shopping, crochet, and creating her own stationary/greeting cards. She also enjoyed connecting with friends and family over a round of golf, a tennis match, a bowl of ice cream, or a game of cards where she often revealed herself as a quiet competitor!
In retirement, Betty and Paul went out of their way to spend as much time with their grandchildren as possible. Betty and Paul together created so many wonderful memories that their grandchildren will cherish for their lifetime and beyond. Many summers were spent at Tyler Creek Golf Club & Campground in Alto, MI where Betty and Paul shared their love for golf and quality time with their children and grandchildren. Betty and Paul later continued these family-centered activities at Sandy Pines in Hopkins, MI. Betty and Paul wintered in Silveridge RV Resort in Mesa, AZ, where they had great fun and met numerous lifelong friends. While there, Betty loved to play tennis in senior leagues with her husband, friends, and visiting family members.
Betty and Paul together laid the groundwork for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s success by providing a warm blanket of love, compassion, and comfort that will undoubtedly positively influence current and future generations within the family they started 62 years ago.
In June 2008, Paul was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Betty and Paul subsequently moved to Arkansas in an effort to seek the best treatment available at the time. Paul fought courageously until February 2010 when he ultimately succumbed to cancer.
Shortly after Paul’s untimely death, Betty adopted a Shih Tzu puppy and named her Josie, which was short for Josephina Paulina in honor of her late husband, Paul Joseph. Betty took Josie everywhere she went as she continued to winter in Mesa, AZ with the friends her and Paul accrued throughout their retirement years.
In her later years, Betty faced the gradual and courageous battle of living with dementia. While dementia slowly reshaped her memories, it could not erase her warmth or her joyful spirit. Even on her hardest days, her face would light up with recognition when her children or grandchildren entered the room, and her innate kindness remained a constant beacon.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Paul Joseph Urban, her parents Marshall and Earline Bryan, her brother James Bryan, her sister Carol Klemple, and her dog Josie. She is survived by her brother Keith Bryan.
Betty’s family includes daughters, Michelle (Curt) Den Uyl, and Tracy (Kurt) Knapp, both of Holland; grandchildren, Andrew (Becky) Rathbun and their children Zachary and Zoey, Corey (Kara) Den Uyl and their children Emree and Ava, Cameron Den Uyl, and Aubrey (Logan) Forist; brother-in-law, Tom Hindert (Pam Barnaby); step-grandchildren, Mike and Nichole Knapp and their children Hudson and Ryder, and Austin Knapp and his son, Emmett, and Brad (Jessica) Grimes and their children, Gavin and Blake.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Hospice (https://Emmanuel Hospice) 401 Hall St. SW #263; Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Arrangements are by the Dykstra Funeral Home-Downtown Chapel.
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