Goodrich – During the 1950s Betty Aznavorian entertained troops as part of the USO shows in the Detroit area. Her music, kindness and compassion toward others remained throughout her life.
Betty died on June 21 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
She was 73.
An AuGres native, Betty (Patten) was born on Feb. 1, 1935. The family moved to the Detroit area a few years later.
‘She was very good at the piano,? said Diana Patten, Betty’s younger sister. ‘She enjoyed playing with her band, the Patten Trio, which consisted of family members. They appeared on WXYZ-TV in Detroit in the 1950s. She was a great big sister and we are all going to miss her.?
Betty married Al Aznavorian on Sept. 14, 1957 at St. John’s Armenian Church in Southfield. The couple lived in Dearborn Heights and moved to Goodrich in 1975 after the birth of their only son, Mark.
‘My mom had a great sense of humor and loved her family and friends,? Mark said. ‘She played the piano really well and used to be in a band with her brothers and cousins. She worked for IBM until I was born, and then enjoyed being a homemaker the rest of her life. She was a great stay-at-home mom and she enjoyed gardening, cooking and reading.?
The Aznavorians became partners with James Arrants of Arrants Ford Sales, Inc. in Ortonville in 1975. When Jim Arrants died in 1992, the Aznavorians became the sole owners.
Mark took over Arrants Ford Sales on July 20, 2001 when Al died. He made the decision to sell Arrants Ford Sales in 2004 which is now Randy Wise Ford, 968 Ortonville Road.
Mark said Arrants Ford was known for its small town, personal atmosphere in both sales and service.
‘People used to drop by just to say hello to my dad,? said Mark.
Surviving are, son Mark and daughter-in-law Kim Aznavorian, stepson, Ryan and grandson, Arman Jacob. One brother, Jim, and sister, Diane.
‘Avalon Hospice in Flint was just incredible,? said Mark. ‘Mom was sick for a very long time and the hospice response was just wonderful, it was more than we could ever ask for.?
Services were held June 24 at the Rossell Funeral Home, Flushing. Burial was in the Ortonville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Avalon Hospice, 2360 Stone Bridge, Flint, MI 48532.