Betty Jean Harding

Betty Jean Harding was born on December 3, 1922 to Mr. and Mrs. Kelley on an Indian Reservation in Montesano, Washington. She was third of nine brothers and sisters who all preceded her in death, except one sister, JoAnne Claiborne. She was also preceded in death by Richard Earl Harding Sr. (husband), two sons, Ronald and Robert, and one daughter Betty Jean Jr.

Betty Jean was an Episcopalian Protestant. She received Christ at an early age, her favorite scripture was The Lord's Prayer: Matthew 6:9-13. Betty Jean attended school on the Montesano Indian Reservation where as a young girl she helped dig graves. Betty Jean met and married Richard E. Harding Sr. and raised nine children from this union. Betty Jean and her husband Richard E. Sr. were also foster parents for many years and they also raised a great niece.

Betty Jean was a resident of Seattle for over fifty years in the Central/Madrona neighborhood and she worked for Troy Uniform and Overhaul Supply as a supervisor for many years.

Betty Jean was a Breast Cancer Survivor and worked quietly and diligently as an advocate for awareness education and early detection for women.

Betty Jean leaves to cherish her memory: sons, Lathaniel Allen (Grace), Dwaine Leroy (Janice), Richard Earl Jr. (Jannie), Anthony Louis (Sheree); daughters, Frenesi Louise (Ronald), Katherine Maria (Leon); Marie Owens, sister/cousin (Boris); sixty nine grandchildren; thirty six great-grandchildren; sixteen great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews and many many friends.