Beatrice Annette  Lillie, age 96, of rural Cedar Springs,  passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 14, 2016, surrounded by family at Spectrum Health-United Hospital in Greenville.  The daughter of Clinton K. & Eva (Holmden) Braden, she was born on October 7, 1919 in Sparta.

Beatrice maintained a sharp mind and a generous, loving heart throughout her 96 years.  She once said, “If I could give one lesson to the world it would be this: We are not meant to be selfish. We are here to help others in their time of need. And that goes double for family.” Beatrice lived up to those words, and will be sadly missed by her loved ones.  Besides enjoying Red Wings hockey and Detroit Tiger's baseball, as a burn survivor, she also supported the Phoenix Society.  Still her biggest treasure was her family and she delighted in watching her own grandchildren play and have fun.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lyle Lillie on May 29, 1979; and nine siblings throughout the years, Kenneth Braden, Bessie Braden, Archie Braden, Helen Levindoski, Vivian Braden, Lucille Morrow, Frances Green, Bradley Braden, and Evelyn Baumgardener.

Beatrice is survived by two sons and one daughter, Raymond & Renee Lillie of Yuma, Arizona, Pamela & Royce Newman of Gowen, and Steven Joe & Karla Lillie of Sheridan; three brothers, Claude & Ellen Braden,  and Franklin Braden & her very special sister-in-law and best friend Dorothy Braden, all of Gowen, and James Braden. She also leaves eleven grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

At Beatrice’s request, there will be no memorial services.  She asked that those who wish to honor or remember her do so by doing a special act of kindness to someone else.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter.  Private burial will be at Oakfield Cemetery.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Beatrice's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.ChristiansenCares.com.  Arrangments are entrusted to Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, Greenville.