Betty Ellen Byrd

Betty Ellen Byrd, passed away on Monday, December 5, 2016, at the age of 89, at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, WA, with family by her side. Betty, along with her twin brother, “Buzz”, were born on Sept. 6, 1927, near Crescent, OK, to Burton and Lois (Knapp) Michael. The family moved to Manette, WA in 1936, then to Belfair, and on to Wenatchee, WA, in 1942. Betty graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1945. Following high school, Betty had several jobs. She cashiered at the Vitaphone Theater, packed fruit, worked for RACC (a loaning agency for local apple growers), followed by Growers Credit Corp., and lastly, a PBX operator, typist, and then cashier at the local power company, Puget Sound Power and Light. After her children were grown, she worked seasonally at Liberty Orchards for a few years and enjoyed working at YWCA estate sales. Betty met the love of her life, Gene, after he returned from the service. They loved to go dance the jitterbug. They were married on April 27, 1951, and had 65 wonderful years together. Their home was on the ranch in Sunnyslope where Gene’s family had an apple orchard and eventually they bought the orchard from Gene’s parents. Betty was involved with helping with the orchard and her passion-being a stay-at-home- Mom. She loved being a Mom and was the best Mom in the world to her children, and also a wonderful Grandmother. She was her oldest two grandchildren’s “daycare” which was probably the most rewarding “job” that she had. She loved her family with all her heart. She loved going out for meals with family and friends. She was a great “listener”, always there for anyone who had a problem or just wanting to talk. She had the most loving and giving heart of anyone. She always put others before herself. She also loved having pets-dogs, cats, ducks, chickens. She grew beautiful flowers and took pride in her flower beds. She grew peonies that she would cut and take to the cemetery to relatives and friends who had passed away. She was just a beautiful person, inside and out! Betty is survived by her husband, Gene, at home; one son, Greg Byrd, (Becki) Wenatchee, WA; one daughter, Cheryl Mounter (Hank) Peshastin, WA; 5 grandchildren, Jon Mounter (Laura) Wenatchee; Elizabeth Miller (Brandon) Wenatchee; Mitchell Mounter, Peshastin, WA; Ashley Byrd, Wenatchee; Damon Byrd, Wenatchee; two great-grandchildren, Madison Wright (Jon & Laura Mounter); Brysen Miller (Elizabeth & Brandon Miller); one sister, Patsy Brown (Robert) Wenatchee; three brothers, Burton Michael (Marion), Lynwood, WA; Gary Michael, Wenatchee; John (Jan) Michael, Wenatchee. Betty was preceded in death by one sister, Mary Ruth Morgan and one brother, George Michael. Betty chose cremation and her ashes will be scattered on the property at a later date There will be a celebration of life in the Chapel at Sage Hill Church, 1601 Fifth Street, Wenatchee, WA, on Monday, December 19, 2016, at 1:00 P.M. Pastor Martha Lowe-Avila will officiate the ceremony. There will be a reception afterwards in the Fireside Room. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Betty’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guest book at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones – Betts Funeral Home.

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Betty Ellen Byrd

September 6, 1927 - December 5, 2016