Betty Jane Dykes

It is with great sadness that the family of Betty Dykes announces her passing after complications from lung and heart disease on February 10th, 2018 at the age of 84. Her death was peaceful, and she was surrounded by her loved ones at Northwest Hospital in Seattle, WA.

Betty was the third of 13 children born and raised in Sisseton, SD, where she met, then married Jerry Dykes at the age of 17. With their five children, they eventually moved to Kenmore, WA. After working briefly as a beautician, she had a long, successful career with GTE, retiring from the company as a trailblazer for women in the business world. Betty was famous to anyone who worked for GTE; many stories of her kindness and generosity are told by everyone who knew her.

Betty was a dedicated, passionate figure of strength who never waned in her support or love of her family and friends. She traveled wherever she was needed to provide care and a kind hand to those she loved. Her independence, her fierce dedication to family, and her ability to "keep on trucking" allowed her to keep fighting for all those who were not yet ready to let her go.

Preceding Betty in death was her husband Jerry Dykes, her parents Leo and Theresa George, her brothers Buddy, Tommy, and Franny, and her sisters Barbara, Phyllis, and Shirley. She is survived by her children Pat (Ginny), Kathy Anderson (Doug), Mike (Char), Tim (Lynn), and Barbara Freitas (Jim), their families, as well as her 10 grandchildren, her 14 great grandchildren, and her siblings Craig, Richie, Johnny, Keith, Lynette, and Brenda.

Betty had a rare, unique gift of making everyone feel special for exactly who they are, and she will be missed tremendously.

Memorial will be held on February 24th at Purdy and Walters at Floral Hills 409 Filbert Road Lynnwood at 1:00 pm Graveside service immediately following Funeral

Reception after graveside held at Brightwater Center - 22505 WA-9, Woodinville, WA 98072