Betty Anne Massey

Betty Anne Massey peacefully passed away on April 5, 2011 with her loving husband of 58 years, Richard “Dick” Massey by her side. Betty, also known as “Grandy” to her immediate family, was born in South Webster, Ohio and spent her early years in nearby Portmouth, Ohio. At age 15 she moved with her family to Salem, Oregon where she graduated from High School.

Betty married her high school sweetheart, Dick Massey on August 21, 1952. They made their home in Salem where they raised two children, David L. Massey and Judy K. Anderson. She had career experience in office management, but for most of her working years, Betty was the co-proprietor and teacher of a private kindergarten. She loved children and the creativity fostered by working with them. For many years she enjoyed an avocation as a tole painting and oil-canvas painting instructor.

Betty was known for her beauty, grace and creativity. She loved painting, antiquing, reading, camping and nature, bird watching, games and visiting with family and friends. While experiencing significant pain for most of her life due to rheumatoid arthritis and a constellation of autoimmune diseases, Betty pressed on to engage in those activities with the family and friends she loved. She refused to let her health issues interfere with missing out on life and all it had to offer. Her strong faith in God was apparent in all she did.

Her mother and father, Doshia Marie and James H. Doan, as well as her sister, Irene Elser, and her brother James H. Doan, Jr. precede her in death. Betty is survived by her husband, Richard Massey; son, David and daughter-in-law Teresa Massey; daughter, Judy and son-in-law Ken Anderson; her “pal” and cherished grandson, Christopher L. Massey; her sister, Ruth and brother-in-law Dick Schaefer; brother-in-law Harvey Elser; along with many dearly loved nieces and nephews and their families.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen Funeral Home at 1350 Commercial Street SE, Salem. A reception will follow. Online condolences at www.HED-FH.com.