Elizabeth "Betty" Ellen Townsend Wallace Peterson

February 28, 1943 to July 16, 2016

After a hard battle with cancer, Betty passed from her earthly bonds July 16, 2016, to be with family in heaven.

Betty was born in Portland to Regina (Faust) & Robert Townsend who had a small farm and private rifle range in Gresham. She loved all animals and had many fond memories of growing up on Regner Rd. including riding her horse to visit the other farms on the hill. A lover of sports, she graduated from Gresham High School and was voted the most Athletic Female in her class of “61. Coming from a hunting and fishing family, she enjoyed the outdoors and attended OSU where she studied Forestry. Betty worked for a time at Montgomery Wards and the Owens-Illinois Glass Company in Portland where she was crowned “Glass Queen”. In October of 1968 she married Bob Wallace and they made their home in Hood River for a while before returning to Gresham.

In September of 1991 she married Terry Peterson in Portland and danced the night away at the Sons of Norway lodge. They were married for 24 fun filled years and enjoyed traveling, their bowling leagues & golfing adventures.

Betty was a lifelong 4-H’er doing everything from showing her Champion Sheep, helping her brothers Bob & Bill with their Dairy Cows, or taking Champion at State in various Home Economics classes. She was an Oregon Delegate and won an all-expense trip to the National 4-H Congress in Chicago in 1958. As an adult she became a leader and was the Multnomah County 4-H Fair Superintendent from 1980-1994. Betty was also the Horticulture Judge for 4-H at the Oregon State Fair starting in 1995 until her illness in 2014.

A guiding hand, motivator and inspiration to all who met her, Betty volunteered to help at her children’s schools. She was a room mother in grade school, helped with dances, “fun” runs and high school swim meets. She was always there with an encouraging word for any child in her presence.

Betty enjoyed cooking with her mother especially during the holidays where there was singing, dancing and laughter. She enjoyed a good joke and gathering friends together to attend community events such as parades and festivals.

The Treasurer of the Friday Nights bowling league from 1970-2014, Betty also bowled with the Sons of Norway. She won many awards and trophies by throwing her “Betty Ball”, getting a strike on the head pin every time.

Betty loved to travel and was in constant motion. Whether setting up deer camp in the snow or visiting National Parks, she liked being outdoors. At home she enjoyed gardening and grew test roses for the Portland Rose Garden. She was also a past president of the Oregon Fuchsia Society where she loved to be involved in all the shows and growing hanging baskets in her green house. Quick to volunteer wherever needed, she made friends easily everywhere she went. Betty lived a full, amazing, interesting and exciting life, full of adventure. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her beloved husband, Terry; son, Robert L. Wallace (Elena) of Troutdale; daughter, Beth Caldwell (Steve) of Boring; step-daughter Janelle Peterson and her daughter Katelyn of Sherwood. Betty enjoyed being a grandmother to Katelyn and all of her children brought much joy to her life.

Viewing will be Wednesday, July 20th from 1-5 p.m. and on Thursday, July 21st from 9 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W. Powell Blvd. in Gresham, Oregon

A memorial service will be on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home located at 520 W. Powell Blvd. in Gresham, Oregon.

Donations may be given to the American Cancer Society.

Private burial will be at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.