Betty Fountain Lane

She was born Oct 2, 1923 in Galesburg, IL, to Catherine & Thomas Fountain, and spent her childhood in Pewaukee, WI; she always considered herself a "country girl." She majored in French, German, and Spanish at Lawrence College in Appleton, WI. After graduating and driving a forklift for a defense plant in Milwaukee, she decided to continue her studies at the Univ of Arizona. When her funds ran out, she went to visit her cousin Beulah in San Diego. Beulah and one of her co-workers, Bob Lane, met Betty at the bus station, igniting a romance that resulted in Betty & Bob marrying in 1949 in San Diego's Balboa Park (St Francis Chapel).

Twelve years and three children later, Betty & Bob moved to Bellevue, WA. Betty was an active member of St Thomas Episcopal Church in Medina for 60 years. She loved gardening; rode a big clunky bike with a basket on the handlebars; learned to ski; took up knitting; went family camping; loved reading in the tub; and made sure her children could spell and construct a proper sentence. She was the last surviving member of a bridge club that met for decades but probably played less than 20 hands in all those years. She was a Bible Study Fellowship leader, served on St Thomas' vestry and Altar Guild, and volunteered in a thrift shop.

Betty was a friend to all. After Bob passed in 1984, their home continued to be a gathering place for family and friends, and she loved nothing more than offering hospitality. She had a quick wit, twinkling eyes, and a wonderful sense of humor, and rarely lost a game of Scrabble (except to her Dad). Oktoberfest at her house became an annual event attended by neighbors and friends.

Betty never lost her curiosity, and her extensive travels included England and China (family ties on both sides). She went to see a couple of Alaskan Iditarods; made several trips to Hawai'i; visited family and friends around the country; and hosted as many visitors as she could.

Betty is survived by son Tom (Susan), daughters Martha and Catherine (Katie), grandchildren Lauren and Zack, niece Kathy, great nephew Kirt, and great niece Karin.

Betty liked to tell that the first time Bob held her hand, he commented, "What a big mitt!" He was one of many who learned that when Betty held your hand with those 'big mitts,' she was also holding you close to her big heart.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM June 25 at St Thomas Episcopal Church in Medina. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your favorite charity in Betty's name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Lane family.