Bettyo Rey Chapman

“Oh, you have cats?” If your answer was yes, you were instantly liked. There is no doubt the kitties, dogs, and really any animal for that matter, who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge are rejoicing in heaven now! Compassion for the animals (and for people) was her credo, and the more she could care for, the happier she was.

She was born in San Diego, California to Earl and Minnie McKinster (Bowen) on April 25, 1925 and lived a life full of caring for others in a way that was so impactful, even she may not have realized how much she touched others.

Times were difficult in her early years with the Great Depression and a bought with Polio, however even then she was always one to help, even at an early age, assisting her parents working after school to help keep food on the table during the roughest times. Never complaining, she got things done and had a work ethic like few others. All the while, she still found time for friends and formed bonds that lasted a lifetime.

The family moved to the Northern California area where her dad worked as a Bellhop at a posh, Sacramento hotel. She had various interests growing up, with some of them having to take a back burner as she helped the family to stay in their home. She was an only child; so much of the duties to help out fell on her. This helpfulness was something that stayed with her for the rest of her life, as there are so many people she assisted without hesitation…be it financially, emotionally, or just being an ear to those in need.

She also found her love for animals during her early and teen years, picking up strays, sometimes to the chagrin of her mom and dad (and sometimes without them knowing…wink wink). One could only imagine how many would have found their way to Bettyo’s house had there not been more “reasonable” minds to stem the flow 

After she graduated, she worked hard and found herself employed at Standard Oil as a keypunch operator and later worked at Allstate doing the same. One can only imagine striking those manual keys that punched holes into cards for eight hours a day! Later in life she still had a tremendous grip and when she shook your hand, it meant something.

She met her 2nd husband Fred around 1955 and after they were married, she gave birth to her only child, Ray in 1962. She stated, in no uncertain terms that she gave birth to a 9lb 7oz “Moose”, one of the many “ Bettyoisms” you’d hear if you knew her. Another, and one of the more common, was when people tried to call her “Betty” and she’d gently remind them that it was BettyO and that her wonderful youth friends called her B.O….lovely.

She continued to work after Ray was born, juggling motherhood and a career, and always finding time for both, often at the sacrifice of her own health and sleep. In 1967, she did not hesitate to ask her mother to move in with the family after the sudden death of Minnie’s second husband. This was just like her caring spirit.

While Fred worked in West Sacramento at an oil and gas terminal, Bettyo was offered and accepted a job with the Roseville Telephone Company. While the commute was substantial, it provided more for the family and she sacrificed again to make sure there was food on the table and a roof overhead.

In 1971, the family moved to Rocklin California, a much smaller town, away from the crazy pace that Sacramento was becoming. The setting was pristine, with a creek flowing behind the house, a quieter lifestyle, and suddenly LOTS of animals.

Yes, critters of all kinds seemed to know where the Chapman’s lived…be it, squirrels, opossums, SKUNKS, and cats until the cows came home. One had to pass by the bowl of food left out on the porch for the nocturnal creatures, often times resulting in close encounters of the stinky kind when one would come home late at night and have a chance meeting…you see, one thing about growing up in the depression era was that you always conserved electricity…hence the porch lights would be turned off, and more than once Ray or Fred, coming home late would find themselves face to face with Pepe Le PEW, or accidentally stepping on the huge rat tail of one of the opossums trying to scurry away….made for adventures and heart palpitations…good times

Somehow we all survived our “encounters” and Ray finished High School and decided that Seattle was bristling with a music scene he needed to explore. While it had to have been painful, Bettyo was supportive and didn’t try to hold him back.

Despite her absolute loathing of flying, she and Fred trekked up to visit the wandering musician wannabe a couple of times and like Ray, fell in love with the Seattle area. By this time Fred was nearing retirement age, and together they felt that Washington would be a great place to enjoy their golden years.

In 1992, they purchased a home in the Bellingham area, a beautiful Lindal Cedar Home on 5 acres near the Nooksack River. Fred moved up, while Bettyo stayed behind for an additional year to continue working until her goal of retirement age. She then moved up and OH MY, the critters in Bellingham were happy…At one point the count was 4 dogs, 7 cats, roughly 10 deer, scores of squirrels other rodents all centered around the wonderful love (and kibble) that Bettyo provided.

Bettyo moved back to Everett to be closer to Ray in 2008 after Fred became increasing ill and needed skilled nursing. Even here she loved to feed her squirrels, blue jays, kitties, and dog. Wherever she went, she was a friend to the animals and to people alike. She could make friends with anyone with her charm and welcoming spirit.

A friend to all, an enemy to none….a giving spirit, with an unwavering great and welcoming demeanor even at the nursing home she took up residence at in late 2015. Even there, she was adored by the staff and charmed the heck out of anybody who came near her or was lucky enough to know her.

She passed peacefully on July 21, 2016 and left behind a legacy of love, compassion, friendship, humor and unselfish giving that is rivaled by very few. Truly a gift from God to those who knew her and whose lives she touched.

Rest in Peace in Heaven Bettyo until we all cross that rainbow bridge and celebrate again with our Lord. Love always.

Inurnment will be 10 am Thursday August 4 at Evergreen Cemetery, Everett, Washington. Donations may be made to The Humane Society/

Arrangements under the direction of Evergreen Funeral Home, Everett, WA.