Roger Betten injured in weather-related car accident in Maple Valley Township: obituary

Publish date: 2024-05-02

Maple Valley Township, MI – The Maple Valley Township community is mourning the loss of a well-known farmer, Roger Betten, who tragically lost his life in a weather-related traffic accident on Friday night. The incident occurred on W. Stanton Road near N. Paepke Road in Maple Valley Township around 8:46 p.m. Roger Betten, 80, and his wife Jill Betten, 79, were involved in the collision along with two other individuals.

According to reports, a 67-year-old woman from Trufant was driving a westbound Chevy Silverado when it collided with a fallen tree. The impact caused the Silverado to veer into the opposite lane, leading to a head-on collision with Roger Betten’s eastbound Hyundai Santa Cruz. Roger Betten was pronounced dead at the scene, and his wife Jill was transported to Butterworth Hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Silverado and her passenger, a 35-year-old man from Pierson, were also injured and taken to Butterworth Hospital. Despite the occupants wearing seatbelts, adverse weather conditions and the presence of the fallen tree significantly influenced the collision, according to Sheriff Mike Williams, emphasizing the challenging conditions at the time of the incident.

Roger Betten was not only a respected farmer but also an active member of the Maple Valley Township community. He was recognized for his vocal contributions and keen insights during township board meetings, often shared with his characteristic wit. In 2016, Roger and Jill were celebrated as the grand marshals of the Trufant Jubilee, a testament to their esteemed status within the community.

The Maple Valley Township community mourns the loss of Roger Betten, remembering him for his valuable contributions, wit, and warmth. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of caution during adverse weather conditions, emphasizing the need for vigilance on the roads.

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