Obituary of Bettye Louise Simpson

Bettye Louise Simpson, 87, of Nyssa died March 1, 2019 at her home.

A wonderful lady has gone from our lives. Her full name was Bettye Louise but she was often called Bettye Lou. She hated to be called that she convinced some family members to call her Betts.

Bettye was born in 1927 in Greeley, Colorado to Ben and Leah Mahl and grew up in Monte Vista, Colorado. She attended a business college and then worked for a law firm for a few years. Bettye married Bill Simpson in 1948. They moved several times with Bill’s job and then farmed in Ontario until 1987 when they moved to Nyssa, OR. Bill passed away in 2007.

Bettye was a member of the Ontario Church of the Nazarene and ran the nursery for 25 years. She and Bill enjoyed restoring antique autos and were active in the Crankers Club. She was a wonderful cook and we all remember fondly her homemade bread. She sewed many outfits for her family and stitched upholstery for some of the cars they restored.

Some of Bettye’s favorite things were knitting, chocolate covered cherries, the color red, hummingbirds, owls, and especially her children and grandchildren.

Bettye is survived by children Toni Saathoff of Denver, CO, Doris Ann Simpson of Nyssa, Patti and Don Deters of Meridian, ID, Bettye Sue (Bettsye) Simpson of Nyssa, and Ben Simpson of Meridian, ID, plus 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

We owe such a debt to Doris Ann for her loving care of Mom and Dad for many years, and to Bettsye who was also instrumental in Mom’s care and a support to Doris Ann. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the Pacific Northwest Hospice at www.giftedwishes.org.

Viewing March 7, 3 to 5 pm at Lienkaemper Funeral Chapel in Ontario and memorial service March 8 at 2 pm at Ontario Church of the Nazarene.