Biography

     Lois Bettesworth was inducted into the Michigan Fiddlers Association Hall of Fame at the North Central Regional Fiddlers Convention in Hillsdale Michigan, August 2011. I (Trae McMaken) was fortunate to be present at the function and was pleased to see this honor bestowed on Lois Bettesworth. Lois was present only over the phone at the ceremony, poor health impeding her, but though I have never met her, I was quite pleased to see her honored in this way. Lois Bettesworth had a hand in inspiring interest and study of Michigan’s fiddling and folk music traditions in the Port Huron area in the late 80s and early 90s, and as a result, some valuable information was preserved and passed on to folks like myself. 

Link: The Michigan Heritage Awards Biography of Lois Bettesworth, 2002 awardee.

 The following biography comes from the program of the North Central Regional Fiddlers Convention, August 2011:

“Lois Bettesworth was surrounded by fiddle music for as long as she can remember – both her Father and Grandfather played fiddle. And that’s what Lois wanted to do – and she did – and she still does. Lois sneaked out her Father’s fiddle when she was nine years old – her early talent was recognized and classical lessons follow for ten years ; she played in her high school orchestra at Flint Central during her teens.

But the music she always heard and wanted to play was the music that her Father played – waltzes, jigs, reels, polkas. To that end Lois has played and played. She has performed throughout the years – with the “Lois Bettesworth Trio” and “Shades of Blue.” A couple of records have come forth as well.

Lois and her groups have played countless times at dances in the Flint and Flushing area. She has entertained at Senior Centers and rest homes and continues to play at Jamborees from Montrose to St. Johns to Chapin. Lois resides in Flushing where she and her late husband, Robert, raised two daughters.”

Excerpt From Lois’ Obituary

“BETTESWORTH, Lois Helen (Hutchinson) of Flushing, Michigan, age 93, died May 2, 2019. Burial has taken place. Plans for a memorial service to be announced at a later date.

Mrs. Bettesworth was born in DeGraff, Minnesota on November 16, 1925, the daughter of C. Bert and Ruth (Powers) Hutchinson. She married Robert J. Bettesworth in Flint on February 6, 1946. She had been employed by several firms throughout the years as secretary/bookkeeper, retiring in August 1986.

She started playing the violin at age 9, played in many dance bands over the years, and was founder and fiddler of the dance band “Shades of Blue.” She was active in several organizations including the Genesee County Historical Society, Memorial Society of Flint, Roving Ramblers (Holiday Rambler) Chapter #195, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Genesee County Senior Citizens Orchestra, Original Michigan Fiddlers Association, Michigan Fiddlers Association, and Flushing Area Historical Society.”