Bong "Beth" White

Bong Thu-Thi “Beth” White, age 74, of Belding, formerly of Ionia, passed away on March 2, 2022, after a week-long stay at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Like many other aspects of her life, she fought hard, but was unable to pull through. She was born in Nhatrang, South Vietnam on February 2, 1948, daughter of An and Thi An (Phan) Tran, both of whom preceded her in death. She met the love of her life, George B. White, while he was serving in the United States military during the Vietnam war. They married while he was still in Vietnam and started their family prior to venturing to her new home in the States. Beth quickly completed the coursework equivalent to earning a high school diploma and worked in a factory setting for a short time before she figured out that was not where she wanted to stay long term. She returned to school while still working and completed her cosmetology certification and opened “Beth’s Hair Care” in Ionia, which she owned and operated for many years. Beth kept a great home and loved to care for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and it was a daily passion for her. In her free time, she enjoyed fishing and trips to the shopping mall (or any store) and was a frequent visitor to the casinos. With all her many activities and travels, she also thoroughly enjoyed an afternoon of the card game Skip-Bo with the neighbors. Beth attended Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ionia.

Memories of Beth will be cherished by her family including sons John A. White of Nicholasville, Kentucky and Robert B. White of Belding; grandchildren Brooke, Troy, Cameron, Leigha and Aubree; a brother-in-law, David White of Ionia and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Private interment rites are being planned at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, where her husband, George is already interred. Those who wish to express sympathy, are welcomed to consider a donation in Beth’s memory to the charity of their choice. For additional information please call Verdun Family Funeral Home at (616) 794-1300.