Bettye Sue "Bright" Gray

Bettye, with her parents and half-brothers Hallard and Clayton Bright, moved to Spokane, WA when Bettye was 3 years old. She spent her childhood years in Spokane until graduating from Lewis and Clark H.S. in 1948. After high school, Bettye attended Washington State College (present-day WSU) in Pullman and graduated in 1952 with a degree in Education. She was a member of Alpha Phi sorority at WSC and made many lifelong friends, including her husband-to-be William Garlen Gray. Bill and Bettye were married in 1952 at Bettye’s family church in Spokane (Central Methodist). During their marriage, Bettye gave birth to four children – Kathy, Susan, Barbara and Steven – and they moved their household over 10 times as Bill’s positions with the Bureau of Reclamation changed. Bettye gave of herself tirelessly as a wife, mother and grandmother and worked professionally as a teacher, activities assistant at nursing homes and founder of “Miss Bettye’s” preschool in Terrace Heights. Bettye also volunteered at church, schools, nursing homes, her children’s activities and most recently at YMCA Jewett Center.

Bettye had a full and “fulfilled” life, rich with meaningful relationships, interests and accomplishments. She would tell you that the MOST IMPORTANT relationship she ever had was with Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Bettye joined her savior in heaven on February 22, 2018, her “half-birthday.” She leaves behind her children: Kathy (Marvin) Breshears, Susan Gray, Barbara Imperial and Steven (Heather) Gray and grandchildren: Alicyn (Andre) Roberge; Andrew (Gabby) Shaw; Matthew (Nicole Bertram-Hunter) and Luke (Adriana Gonzales) Stilwater; Sierra Godfrey; Bethany (Steven) Mazon and Jonathan Imperial and great grandchildren: Stone Hagar; Audrey Stilwater; Leo and Winnie Roberge.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, spouse Bill and son-in-law Tom Stilwater. Bettye’s prayer for her loved ones and all who crossed her path was that they would all seek the joy, peace and healing that can only come from accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior into their hearts. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

Thank you to Virginia Mason Memorial Hospice and Dr. Joel Pierson and staff at CWFM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Memorial Foundation; American Christian Network (ACN); Samaritan’s Purse or Yakima Humane Society in care of Keith and Keith Funeral Home.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, Friday, March 9, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com.