Betty Jane Kirk

She was born in Worland, Wyoming and moved to Oregon at an early age. Betty was raised in Eugene, and spent much of her youth in the Eugene and Salem area.

Betty is survived by her husband, Allen; their son, Gerald and his companion, Charice Williamson of Scappoose; grandson, Aaron and his wife, Stephanie of Rathdrum, Idaho; and great-grandchildren, Zachri and Dante of Rathdrum.

Betty was an avid reader of mystery novels and enjoyed crafts and the daily crossword puzzle.

She was a tireless worker, often working two jobs at a time. Betty was employed at the Lane County Assessor's office in Eugene during the day and taught ballroom dancing at night at the local Arthur Murray dance studio where she met her husband-to-be, Allen, who was one of her students. Betty and Allen married Aug. 2, 1952, in Eugene and moved to Portland. Betty was employed in the accounting offices of Standard Oil Co., in Portland for several years. When Standard Oil moved their office to Seattle, Betty worked for a temporary employment agency in Portland. One of the firms for whom she provided help included The Oregonian, where she was subsequently employed full-time in the accounting department.

Betty worked at The Oregonian for 35 years, rising to the position of Credit Manager~the first woman executive on the business side of the paper. In this position, Betty represented The Oregonian at credit association conventions and meetings throughout the United States.

In addition to credit associations, Betty belonged to Sigma Phi Gamma International Sorority and was co-chairman of the 1966 annual convention in Portland; Order of the Eastern Star, Rose City Chapter No. 86, Royal Matron in 1972; Order of the Amaranth, Colonial Court No. 5, Royal Matron from 1986 to 1987; Nydia Temple No. 4 Daughters of the Nile; and Oregon Shrine No. 1, White Shrine of Jerusalem.

Private Interment in Willamette National Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.