Betty L. Derby, age 74 of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, November 24, 2008 at Spectrum Butterworth in Grand Rapids. She was born August 24, 1934 in Big Rapids to Thomas and Marie (Peepers) Ray. Betty graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1952. She married Wayne Derby on July 26, 1952 in Big Rapids. They lived in Grand Rapids for a time, then moving to Stanwood where they made their home for over thirty years. They moved permanently to Big Rapids in 1993. Betty was employed at Wolverine World Wide, the old Factory C. During her employment at Wolverine she helped organize the Local AFLCIO and served for several years as an officer. She retired from there in 1974. Betty had her own cake decorating business that she operated for many years. While living in Stanwood Betty served as chairperson for the Stanwood Buffalo BBQ. Betty was a long time member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Big Rapids. She is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, Wayne of Big Rapids, 4 children Carole Miles, Debra Rolston, and Craig Derby all of Big Rapids, and Mark (Jennie) Derby of Reed City; 9 grandchildren, Aaron Miles of Rodney, Tracy Miles (fiance' Josh Holton) of Big Rapids, Richard (Amy) Bowers of Denver, CO, Mark Wymer of Hersey, Daniel Sanford of Mesa, AZ, Thomas Wymer of Grand Rapids, Angie (Eric) Goodwin of Reed City, Daniel (Jeri Jo) Rolston of Howard City, and Candi (Chris) Renne of Rodney; l7 great-grandchildren, 6 sisters, Shirley Fulkerson of Reed City, Nancy Myers and Sharon (Art) Vincent of Big Rapids, Sandy (Clet) Sweet of Paris, Faye (Paul) Thomas of Remus, and Barbara Lisco of Hudson, FL; 4 sister-in-laws, Alicia Ray of Douglasville, GA Shirley Barrett of Caledonia, Elenor Burden of Morley and Bonnie Vinton of Grand Rapids; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Betty was preceded in death by an infant daughter, 2 brothers, Thomas Fredrick Jr. and David Allen Ray. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 29th at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Big Rapids with Pastor John Bookshaw officiating. The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Betty's name may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church.