Betty Jane Carroll

Betty Jane (Wood) Carroll passed away at home in Vancouver on 15 March 2011. She was born in Burlington, Washington on 2 March 1923. Her parents were Elmer C and Mary A. Wood. Her early years were spent in Quilcene, Washington, later moving to Concrete, Washington where she graduated from Concrete High School. She was a true native daughter of the State of Washington. Her great-grand parents homesteaded on Hood canal near the community of Coyle.

Following high school graduation she moved to Seattle to continue her education. With the onset of WW ll she worked at Ft. Lewis then for the Boeing Company. Betty was one of the early “Rosie the Riveter” working inside the wing assemblies of the B-17 bomber. In 1945 she moved to Leavenworth, Washington when her father was transferred to manage the federal salmon hatcheries in eastern Washington. It was there in 1946, she met her husband to be Dick Carroll. They were married in 1948, spending 63 years together.

They were transferred to Seattle in 1967, then to Vancouver in 1970, where they lived in the Lakeshore neighborhood. After moving to Vancouver Betty became active in the First United Methodist Church, the Salvation Army, and many school functions. In 1978 Betty and Dick constructed a new home in Ridgefield, where they planted an apple orchard; growing several varieties of apples. For many years Betty handled the grading and packing of the apple crop. In 2005 they moved off of the farm to a new home north of Salmon Creek.

Betty was a skilled, self-taught seamstress. She especially enjoyed quilting and dress making. The handmade quilts and dresses she made for her children and grandchildren were lovingly appreciated. She had the opportunity to travel worldwide where she accumulated many yards and meters of various fabrics for her craft work. She shared much of her collection with friends. Recently Betty renewed her interest in knitting which she was able to do even with limited mobility. Health conditions in recent years prevented her from traveling outside of the local area, but she enjoyed recounting the pleasant times while looking at pictures of the many places they visited.

She is survived by her husband Dick, and six children, Judy Sunshine, Joan Bernard, (Theron), Eugene, Jo Meints, (Thomas), James Carroll, (Ginny) and J. Bart Carroll, (Kathy). Her brother Kenneth Wood, (Delta) and Carol Wood, (sister-in-law). She is the proud grandmother of 15 grandchildren, 18 great- grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Mary Wood and her brother Richard Wood.

A life celebration memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Vancouver at 2 PM Saturday, 19 March 2011. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Southwest Washington Medical Center Foundation, the Methodist Church Foundation, or charity of choice.

The family extends special thanks to SWMC and the physicians and staff that provided the compassionate and loving care for so many years.

Arrangements under the direction of Vancouver Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, WA.