Peter J Betrus

Peter J. Betrus
March 19, 1940-March 26, 2022

Peter John Betrus, age 82 of Monroe, passed away Saturday March 26, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was seriously ill for the last two months.

Peter was born March 19, 1940 in Monroe, MI to the late Fred and Sadie (Hatem) Betrus. Pete’s family owned and operated Betrus Market in Monroe. He was baptized at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey, OH. Pete attended St. Mary Grade School and graduated from Monroe Catholic Central. He then went onto graduate from Eastern Michigan University and later received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from The University of Toledo. Pete began his law career as a partner in the firm Merman, Betrus, and Sawyer here in Monroe, before practicing on his own and later retiring in 1998.

Pete became active in politics as a member and past chairman of the Democratic party. He ran for State Senate and was a delegate to the National Convention in New York when Jimmy Carter was nominated. Pete then became a conservative Republican and voted that way until his death. Pete also served on the Monroe School Board.

Pete loved his family, his Lebanese heritage and its food, Notre Dame football, watching Fox News, and debating politics whether you wanted to or not, all while arguing his point. Pete was intelligent and articulate on any subject.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters: H. Marie Smith, Lillian J. Betrus, and Sally A. Vanderpool; his nephews: Mark D. Smith, Brian A. Smith, Michael R. Vanderpool, and Dean Dru Vanderpool; niece, Mary Frances Vanderpool; and great niece Sadie N. Gutierrez.

Pete is survived by Deana A. Vanderpool, Peggy A. Vanderpool, Jim (Terrie) Vanderpool, Julie (Jim) Panza, Paul W. (Kim) Smith, Alison (Smith) Avendt (Dan Schwanke), Bernie Abbate Smith, special cousin Mary Ann Byers, and numerous great and great great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may gather from 4-7pm on Tuesday March 29, 2022 at Rupp Funeral Home, with a small family prayer service at 7pm. In accordance with Pete’s wishes, cremation has occurred and his ashes will be interred on a later date at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Pete’s honor are asked to please consider SMCC or St. Mary Catholic Church.

Online condolences to the family may be made through http://www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com