Obituary of Bettye S. Simpson

Bettye Sue Simpson was born to Bill and Bettye Simpson on May 21, 1958 in St. Helens, Oregon.  When she was three years old the family moved to Ontario, Oregon where her father was a state policeman.  She attended school in Ontario and graduated in 1976.  Bettye worked for Mountain Bell and then AT&T for 31 years.  She transferred from Boise to Seattle, to Phoenix, and then to Birmingham, Alabama.  Upon her retirement she moved back to Ontario.  It was always her desire to live close to family.

Crafting was always part of Bettye's life.  She enjoyed jewelry making, counted cross stitch, crocheting, cooking, and reading. Many of her loved ones enjoyed receiving cards she had made with rubber stamps.  Bettye loved movies and videos, but she especially loved Disney.  She could come up with an obscure referece or an actor's name quicker than anyone else we know.  She was clever and funny and so much fun to be with.  Bettye was the queen of the snappy comback.  She enjoyed skewering the men in the family in particular.

The last few years of Bettye's life were difficult as she had multiple health issues.  She lived with Doris Ann for around ten years. Just as she had with our parents, Doris Ann cared for Bettye in all the ways needed through many good times as well as some very rough periods.

Bettye was preceded in death by her parents and her nephew Kurt Deters.  She is survived by her siblings Doris Ann Simpson of Nyssa, Oregon, Toni Saathoff of Torringon, Wyoming, Patti Deters (Don Deters) of Meridian, Idaho, Ben Simpson (Terri Jensen) of Meridian, Idaho, and Charlotte Cose (Cordell) of Orland, California, plus nieces Tracye Bernard, Kate Deters, and Claire Deters and nephew Billy Wade.

The family is extremely grateful first and foremost to Doris Ann who went above and beyond every day.  We are grateful to Billy Wade and Sacora Carter who helped keep Doris Ann sane many times by their loving support and assistance.  Also we appreciate the ambulance and hospital personnel in Nyssa, Ontario, and Boise who showed compassion and humor in caring for her.

The family will have a private celebration of life at a future date.