December 20, 1922 – August 6, 2019
Lake Ann resident and Clare native Betty Jane Finout worked on the assembly line in Flint during World War II and earned her B.S. from Central Michigan University. She went on to coach and teach physical education at schools in Fenton, Holly, Lake Fenton, and Owosso. Finout enjoyed an active retirement into her 90s and was survived by two children and by longtime partner Samantha Niergarth.
Lesbian Connection, January/February 2020
May 22, 1958 – February 23, 2010
Fenton resident Ellen Joan Mettler grew up in Ann Arbor and graduated from Pioneer High School in 1976. She later had a 20-year career as program director for the Fair Winds Council of the Girl Scouts. Mettler was survived by her life partner of 30 years Ann Anglim and their two adopted daughters.
July 24, 1975 – June 25, 2018
Holly resident Steven Craig (Evans) Fischer spent his early life near Millington in rural Tuscola County and graduated from Vassar High School in 1993. Fischer was employed with Delta Tube and Fabricating in Holly and Hairplay Designs in Fenton. He married his husband Christopher Fischer in November 2015.
April 27, 1932 – May 28, 2013
Born in the small town of Quincy, Muriel Van Patten earned her B.A. and M.A. at Eastern Michigan University. She taught visual arts at Fenton High School and served as an elementary art teacher and principal in the Wayne-Westland Schools. She retired from the Michigan Department of Education. Van Patten had her own art shown in numerous exhibitions. She was survived by her partner Wanda Jubb.
Michigan LGBTQ Remember 