Betty Jean Winrod

Betty Jean (Rada) Winrod passed away on October 15, 2024 in Salem, Oregon at the age of 88. She was born November 9, 1935 in Denton, Montana, the youngest child of William and Ella (Thisselle) Rada. She had 3 older siblings, Floyd, LaVerne, and Fred.

A celebration of life memorial is planned in Salem for early 2025, with interment at the Corvallis (Montana) Cemetery, next to her sister, at a later date.

Betty was known for her strong spirit, unwavering Christian faith, and kind heart. She was a devoted friend and confidante to many, always willing to lend an ear or offer a comforting word.

She attended school in Power and Fairfield, Montana, graduating in 1954; and later worked for Fritz Roll & Sons after high school in their Great Falls greenhouses. This experience fostered her lifelong passion for flowers and gardening. She also worked as a bank teller in Great Falls, MT, Cleveland, OH and Walnut Creek, CA. She married Leo Smith in 1957 and they had two daughters, Lori and Lisa. She married John Winrod in 1969.

Some of Betty’s best years were lived in the 1970’s on a 40-acre farm outside of Corvallis, Montana in the Bitterroot Valley. Here her family grew a large garden, raised chickens, cattle, and sheep and her daughters went to school. Betty moved to Keizer, Oregon in the early 1990’s and enjoyed fellowship with the many friends at Macleay Christian Retreat, where she attended services.

Betty moved to the south Salem area in 1995, and was able to live near her eldest daughter and her family for the past 29 years. She loved feeding wild birds in her yard and her kitchen was always a busy place preparing the next meal. She was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother and was always eager to enjoy family gatherings. Betty’s love for good food, with lots of variety, or trying out a new recipe is legendary among her family and close friends. She also enjoyed reading and sewing for many years.

Her physical limitations due to RA increased over the years. She was supported by many care providers including daughters Lori and Lisa, and one of her nieces, Cheryl Moderie, who all devoted years of love and patience to cooking, cleaning, gardening, shopping and caregiving for Betty Jean.

In late 2023, she moved to Meadow Creek Village Assisted Living in Salem. In her final weeks, she received care at the Tokarski Home.

Betty’s sweet, gentle spirit and persistence will always be remembered. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her precious memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

Betty Jean was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husbands, Leo Smith and John Winrod; sister, LaVerne Peterson; and brother, Floyd Rada. She is survived by one brother; Fred Rada (93) of Great Falls, Montana; two daughters, Lori (Doug) Pettenger of Salem, Oregon; and Lisa (Bryan) Chambers of The Dalles, Oregon; 3 grandsons, Lewis and Jeffrey Pettenger, and Darren Smith, 2 granddaughters, Marla McColly and Janelle Batista-Cruell, 7 great-granddaughters, Tayah, Faith, Jayda, Grace, Jaliyah, Norah and Audrey (arriving soon); and 2 great-grandsons, Antonio and Dawson. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please contact family to discuss a donation for future memorial services.