Bettye G. Mullen

Bettye (Gilliland) Mullen, 79, passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. Bettye was born on the family farm in Izard County, AR on October 3, 1932, the third daughter of Orgial and Clara (Forrest) Gilliland. She graduated from Calico Rock High School in 1949. Following her marriage to Harlan Dillard, they moved to Wenatchee, WA, where she was employed as an operator for Pacific NW Bell Telephone Co. She continued her career with PNB, was transferred to Yakima, WA and promoted to the position of Service Manager. In this capacity, she traveled throughout the state, training personnel in the use of the newest equipment in communications. While in this position, she met the love of her life, John Mullen, who was also in management with "Ma Bell." Bettye and Jack were married on February 26, 1977, in Yakima. When PNB was purchased by U.S. West, they opted for the early retirement package offered by the company and began their "life of leisure." They traveled throughout the Pacific Northwest, Arizona and Canada in their travel trailer. They eventually became managers for Sunrise Resorts in Moses Lake, WA. They came to love the desert, sold their home in Yakima, and purchased one in Moses Lake. They resided there until 2005, when they relocated to Wenatchee to be near their family. Betty loved water skiing (she skied the full length of Lake Chelan and got a terrible sunburn); fishing; crafts (crocheting, quilt making, painting); board games; gaming (especially at Fitzgerald's in Reno, NV and Mill Bay Casino in Manson, WA); and her pets. Bettye joined her mother, dad and sister on September 11, 2012, while residing at Blossom Creek Memory Care Center in Wenatchee. Rest in Peace, Beautiful Lady. You are loved. She is survived by, and will be deeply missed by, her husband, John "Jack" Mullen; sister, Montine Matthews of Wenatchee; sister, Dianne Gilliland-Capdeville (Martin) of Yakima; her brother, Wade Gilliland (Marge) of Omak; sister-in-law, Jo Ann Pugliese of Yakima; as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father; mother; and sister, Geneva Matthews. Private Memorial Services will be held at Wenatchee City Cemetery. Bettye requested that donations be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association. Please express your thoughts and memories on the online guestbook at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are by Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee.

Tributes

Bettye G. Mullen

October 3, 1932 - September 11, 2012