Bethany J. Mittan

Bethany J. Mittan, age 89 of Clare, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2026 at the Northwoods Nursing Center of Farwell, surrounded by her loving family. On August 26, 1936, Bethany was born the daughter of Gerald and Dorothy (Wood) Lutes in Flushing, MI. Flushing remained home for Bethany through childhood and early adulthood until she married the love of her life, Roger F. Mittan in Racine, WI. on July 26, 1959. In 1960, Bethany and Roger came to visit a friend in Clare, fell in love with the town, both found jobs at the Clare Osteopathic Hospital, and moved here permanently for the remainder of their lives. After completing her schooling at Bob Jones University and the Hurley School of Nursing, Bethany was able to practice as a Registered Nurse. Her greatest joy was caring for new babies and moms—and she did that faithfully in the Labor and Delivery Department at the Clare Hospital for 35 years. Bethany not only loved Clare, but also the community in it. For 20 years she served on the Cemetery Board and led the Hoping Grief Support Group for parents that lost children. In her spare time, she enjoyed crocheting, stamping and cardmaking, reading her bible, perfecting her grape jelly recipe, and tidying her home. In her younger years she loved taking Northern Michigan lighthouse trips with Roger, and they were both very active members of the First Baptist Church of Clare. Bethany is survived by her four children Marcella Mittan of Clare, Suzy (Tom) Haas of Farwell, Glen (Nancy) Mittan of Farwell, and Stephanie (Mark) Judd of Glen Arbor, her 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Roger Mittan, her parents Gerald and Dorothy Lutes, her twin sister Barbara Carrell, her brother Jerry Lutes, and her granddaughter Alissa Marie Methner. A funeral service in honor of Bethany will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Clare at 12:00 P.M. with Pastor Jeremiah Dewey officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to the time of service at noon. Burial will follow services in the Cherry Grove Cemetery of Clare. Memorial contributions in honor of Bethany may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House. For those unable to attend services, online condolences may be shared on Bethany’s tribute page at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Bethany J. Mittan

August 26, 1936 - June 15, 2026