Elizabeth "Bette" Rachel Barnes

Age 91, passed away in Chula Vista Medical Center on September 7th, 2012. She was a resident of Bonita, California for the past several years. She was born on October 14th, 1920 in Lake Norden, South Dakota to Erik and Rachel (Romsdahl) Grape.

After completing her high school education at Madison High School in Madison, South Dakota, Bette faithfully served in the United States Marine Corp during WWII, achieving a Corporal rank. She worked a majority of her professional career as a Secretary to Robert McRae Investments in Seattle, Washington.

Bette married her best friend and the love of her life, Vernon L. Barnes, a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the United States Naval Reserve, on March 9th, 1946 at University Lutheran Church in Seattle. They spent 53 wonderful years in Olympia, Washington. During those years together, Bette enjoyed many of her favorite hobbies, including trips to her favorite vacationing spot at Napili Kai Beach Club in Maui, Hawaii, and Palm Desert, California, where she would sunbathe and swim. She loved tending to her flower garden, fishing, beachcombing, and traveling. She was adamant about catching each episode of her favorite T.V. show, “Hawaii 5-O”. Like a “REAL” Norwegian, Bette always had a cup of coffee in one hand and something sweet in the other. She was known for her homemade Rhubarb and wild blackberry pies, love of French dip sandwiches, and was known to indulge in Carne Asada.

Bette was actively involved in organizations dedicated to the humane treatment of animals, such as P.A.W.S. Humane Society. She coordinated social events at the governor’s mansion under Gov. Dixy Lee Ray’s Administration.

After Vern’s passing in 1999, Bette moved to Edmonds, Washington to be nearer to her nieces and nephews. She attended United Methodist Church in Edmonds and continued to enjoy her hobbies and giving to her family, friends, and community in all ways possible.

Bette fell ill while visiting her brother, Wesley Grape in Southern California Christmas 2004. After recovering, she decided to remain in Bonita, California close to her brother and his family. Her final days were filled with love and family close beside her.

Bette is preceded in death by her husband, Vernon L. Barnes; sister, Alice Hanson; and her parents. She is survived by her brother, Wesley Grape of Chula Vista, California; countless nieces and nephews, many loving extended family and friends.

Visitation services will be held on Saturday, September 15th, 2012 from 11:30-1PM at Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 14951 Bothell Way NE, Seattle, Washington 98155. Celebration of Life Funeral Service and graveside committal will follow at 1PM at Acacia Memorial Park. Please join the family for continued sharing and fellowship following services at Acacia Funeral Home Reception Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael, California 94912-3950 or www.guidedogs.com

You enriched every life you touched and will be forever missed by all the people and pets that were fortunate enough to meet you, Bette.