ROBINETTE - Mary Bethel Robinette, age 84, passed away Friday, June 19, 2020 at Vista Springs Northview nursing home. She was preceded in death by her husband James, parents Bill and Arnetta Payne and brother and sister-in-law Bill and Lera Payne, and brother-in-law, Richard Bennett. Mary Bethel is survived by her children, Ed (Alicia) Robinette, William (Sharon Vriend) Robinette, John (Karey) Robinette; grandchildren, James (Mckenna), Allan (Marah), Ashley, Anna, Sarah and Henry Robinette; brother-in-law, Burke (Helen) Robinette; sister-in-law, Janet Bennett; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary Bethel was born in Glasgow, KY in 1935. She was named for her aunt Mary Bethel (Payne) Honeycutt, and she was known by the nickname “Little Sister”, or “Sister” by her family. She had a talent for singing from an early age, singing at church and in school choirs. She was a cheerleader at Glasgow High School. Her Aunt Mary Bethel and Uncle Wendell Honeycutt made it possible for her to attend Transylvania College in Lexington, KY, where she majored in elementary education. She was also a member of the Transylvania Choir, and enjoyed many great friendships there. Upon graduation in 1958, she was recruited to come to Grand Rapids, Michigan to teach school. She came north with 3 other co-recruits to begin her teaching career. When she moved to Grand Rapids, Mary Bethel became a member at Central Christian Church, the same denomination she grew up in. There, she joined the choir, began volunteering with the Sunday School, and was introduced to a man with a red Thunderbird, Jim Robinette. At about this time, she also shortened her name to Bethel, which she has been known by ever since. Bethel and Jim were married on June 9, 1962, and her second-grade students were invited to the wedding reception. Bethel retired from teaching in 1963 with the birth of the first of their three sons. In 1972, she began her second career, working together with Jim to establish Robinette’s Apple Haus, the family’s farm market. She started the donut kitchen which has grown into a West Michigan destination. Over the years, she also led and gave school tours of the farm to thousands of children. Long after their official retirements, Bethel and Jim worked together at the farm. They offered every guest a cheerful welcome and did anything they could to support the business they created. Bethel was a warm and loving person. She treasured her family and especially enjoyed being with her grandchildren. She was a faithful woman who was an elder and served on the church board for years. She continued her singing in the church choir and shared her musical gift in countless weddings. Bethel was extremely hospitable and regularly shared her tasty food, beautiful table and good-hearted laugh with family and friends. She had an amazing whistle that could be heard across the property. Bethel and Jim loved to travel and were blessed to be able to see much of the world together. They never failed to make new friends when they did. Family and friends will celebrate both Bethel and Jim’s lives together at a memorial open house and a private burial for Bethel will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan State Horticultural Society, which provides monies for research and scholarships http://mihortsociety.com/trust-fund/trust-donor/ or the Alzheimer’s Association Research Fund, alz.org. To share a photo, memory, and sign the family’s online guestbook, please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Bethel Robinette please visit our Sympathy Store.
Leave Your Tribute Message
When our family built a house around the corner, we were warmly welcomed and acquainted with Bethel and Jim. Our boys, Eric and Jason had their first jobs there and still talk about the fun they had. We had belonged to Cascade Christian Church and had heard there was another disciples church close. We tried to sneak in the back to observe a service. When Jim & Mary Bethel saw us, we were immediately brought up front and introduced to everyone. We have remained members of Central Christian Church ever since. They were such pillars of our church and wonderful examples of faith and kindness. They are missed everyday! With Love, Shelley & Chuck Foster
- Shelley Foster
Bethel was my very first boss, and taught me so much! She taught me how to work hard, stay busy, and how to work with people. I'm so thankful I had that for the 5 years I worked at Robinettes! I will always remember her fondly for her laugh, her business-sense, and for once giving me a compliment I will never forget, saying, "You were like my right arm" when I left. My condolences for the whole Robinette family on the recent passing of both of your parents and grandparents. My heart and prayers go out to you all! Much love, Chloe (Hoekzema) Long
- Chloe
One of my fondest memories of being a student at Transylvania from 1955 to 1957 was to meet, sing with, know and enjoy a friendship with Mary Bethel Payne. Her laugh was infectious and she knew how to enjoy every moment of life. Besides that she was an excellent singer! When she and Fred Allen, her longtime boyfriend at Transy, broke up during his and my Senior year, I asked her to be my date for the Phi Kappa Tau formal. She agreed and we had a great time, though she was a much better dancer than I was. I had a car while at Transy so, from time to time, I gave her rides from Transy to the residence of her aunt and uncle. Over the years, we saw each other a couple of times at Transy reunions and at General Assemblies of the Christian Church. It was always a delight to be in her presence. Thanks for letting me know of her death. May God's peace sustain all of you who were blessed by being part of her family! Ed Linberg 2417 Bowdoin Street La Verne, CA 19750
- Ed Linberg
Wayne & Marilyn Youngquist, along with their family, send condolences and prayers. We were suprised to hear of Mary Bethel's passing, so soon after Jim went on to be with their Lord. Love is stronger than death and their loving bond certainly proves this to be true. We send our sympathies to their children and families at this time. We have many treasured memories that go way, way back. We were reviewing a few last night. God rest their souls and give you all His own peace. You have our love and prayers.
- Cheryl Youngquist Currier
I worked for Jim and Bethel as a teenager in the late 70s early 80s - or should I say worked "with" them, because they both were amazing examples of servant leaders. They taught me the value of hard work and more importantly the value of friendly customer service. Bethel was always so quick with a smile and treated me and other employees like family. The Apple Haus will always feel like "home" and holds a special place in my heart with good memories… the smells, the sounds, and most of all the friendships that were formed working there. Thank you, Robinette family, for sharing your mom and dad with me and so many others over the years. May you feel God's comfort during this season of loss, knowing that God is enjoying the sounds of Bethel's laughter and I'm certain they are sharing a delicious cider shake! Mary Beth (Price) Gernaat
- Mary Beth Gernaat
Our friendship spanned over 70 years…and, truly, I have cherished every moment. Her laughter, her humor, her very presence brightened the room. Her strong faith, her love of family were exemplary. I think Heaven will be a lot more fun just knowing she is there and I am sure she has found old choir members from Transy and they have sung a rousing round of “Hail, Transylvania”! I am so glad she was my friend.
- Anne Mulder
So sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family. From the Van Til/ Ondersma families.
- Vicki Van Til
Jim and (Mary) Bethel - he commonly used both names when talking about her - enjoyed nearly 58 years together and now, after only a 33-day separation - between this life and the next, they'll be together, again, for Eternity. I had the privilege of singing in the church choir with Bethel for more than a quarter century. She rendered many beautiful solos as well as being a leading voice in the alto section. The most memorable of those solos, for me, was "In this very room ...." which now just in writing it, once again brings tears to my eyes. She's resting in peace, in the company of her maker, a good and faithful servant. Brian DeVries Belmont MI
- Brian DeVries
I was blessed to have such an amazing Aunt Bethel and Uncle Jim. They were Such wonderful people and I have so many amazing memories that will live in my heart forever. ❤️
- Barb Lauscher
We visited the Robinette’s when ever we were in Michigan. The Apple Haus was such a delight. We had the honor of meeting Jim and Bethel on a couple of our visits. Ed and Joel were roommates for 2 years while attending Michigan State. Ed would often go home on the weekends and on his return bring back Apple Cider, Apples and Donuts. Once we dropped by to the farm unannounced and they were about to sit down for dinner, with no hesitation they immediately invited us in for supper. That’s who they were, generous good people… they will be missed😢 Joel and Patty Smith
- Joel and Patty Smith
Love to the Robinettes. She was a remarkable, beautiful soul. - Mary Thornsen
- Mary Thornsen
We grew up with the Robinettes. Our families vacationed together; our family’s three girls and their three boys. Such wonderful memories of their farm, house and of course “The Apple Haus”. Cider and donuts galore, always with big beautiful smiles and hugs from Bethel and Jim. To lose both within weeks of each other, somehow not surprising as their love was so evident and strong. Prayers for all the family. Sending love from Florida Karen, David and Caleb Prewitt
- karen prewitt
Our deepest sympathy to the Robinette family. Jim and Bethel will be missed by the many friends they made through the years. Always friendly and welcoming whenever we met Their legacy will live on at the Apple House and in the hearts of all you knew them Thinking of you at this sad time Jan and Bill Redman
- jan redman
My deepest sympathy to all of the family. She is now in a better place.
- jim Stewart
I knew her from the business world, truly a fine,person. From Jim Stewart
- jim Stewart
My deepest sympathy to the family of Bethel. She was a very special lady whom I had a lot of love and respect for. She was my choir teacher at church and will never forget her. I know she is at peace now with the love of her life Jim. May GOD bless you and your family as you grieve these great losses of both Jim and Bethal.
- marilyn bradley
My (now deceased) husband, "Hap" and I knew Bethel and Jim fairly well, and we both were thoroughly impressed with both of them. It was with sadness when I read of Jim's passing, and knew that Bethel wasn't well, but now she can join him in the heavenly choir. May God welcome them with open arms, as we say our goodbyes. Barbara Ottenwess
- Barbara Ottenwess
Order flowers for Mary's service.
Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)
Thinking of You Basket
Gerbera Greetings
Natures Glory
Sincere Sympathy Garden
Blooming Duo
Loving Embrace
Classic Sympathy
Stargazer Garden
Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement
Tender Touch
White Wonder
Bells of Beauty
Stargazer Easel Spray
Beautiful Memories
Remembrance Easel Spray
Beautiful Blessings Wreath
Colorful Memories Wreath
Keola Stress Less Gummies
Relieve stress and anxiety with Keola Stress Less Gummies.
Keola Pain Relief Balm
Ease aches, and sooth sore joints with Keola Pain Relief Balm.