Francis Elizabeth Mortimer-Rood

Betty was born January 9, 1922 in Calgary, Alberta to George and Grace Lunn. She married William (Bill) Mortimer in 1951 and soon after moved to the Yakima area. They both fell in love with this town and its people, buying a farm in the Cowiche area and raising their children Ann and Bruce there. There are many joyous memories of camping trips and horse back riding.

In 1966, Betty started working for the West Valley School District helping children to read. She carried on this tradition upon her retirement by teaching non-English speaking students to read and write English at YVCC.

Following Bill's death in June of 1983, she started her world travels, visiting places like Australia, China, Egypt and Europe. She enjoyed all her trips and made sure to bring home souvenirs from each trip.

She moved into her home in Yakima in 1996 and married Robert Rood, M.D. who passed away in 1997. She so enjoyed her pool and hot-tub and could be found every day swimming and soaking up the sun during the summer.

Although a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, she usually attended church with her daughter and family at Wiley Heights Covenant Church.

She is preceded in death by a sister and brother during her youth. She leaves behind her son, Bruce and Linda Mortimer of Yakima; her daughter, Ann and Doug Field of Selah; her sister, Georgina Rooney and family in California; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her step-children, Sandy and Bruce Wolf of Blaine, Susan and Gary Bickley of Yakima, Barbi and Chuck Shafer of Seattle, and Fred Rood of Blaine with their children and grandchildren.

She is also survived by her step-brothers, Don & Paul Diener.

With her flamboyant nature, flaming red hair and extrovert ways, everyone was her friend. She will be sorely missed by all who had the joy of knowing Betty.

The family wishes to thank Avail for their loving care of Betty during her final days. With special thanks to Claudia, Nicole, Linda, Yolanda and Martina. Mom was always saying how much she enjoyed all of you.

A Memorial Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 27, 2011 at Wiley Heights Covenant Church.