It is with heavy hearts that we mark the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother, Betty. Betty was born on April 15, 1929, to Anton and Christine Hanstad. While attending Shoultes Elementary School she would meet her future husband, Henry, during first grade. Betty and Henry were married on June 4, 1948 in Everett, Washington. The couple settled in Marysville and started their own family farm located on Sunnyside Blvd.
In 1953 the couple purchased two farms and moved to Arlington, Washington, with their two children. They would later welcome two more children to their family. The family operated the farms as Graafstra Dairy. During this time, Betty managed the books, oversaw operations, and even assisted in milking cows and feeding calves. In 1973 the couple started Country Charm Dairy. Betty could be found working in the processing plant, retail store, and wherever was needed around the business.
Living on their family farm until 2019, Betty would move to assisted living facilities in Arlington and then Marysville before she moved to Arlington Health & Rehabilitation to better support her health needs. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Henry, in 2021, her son, Randy, in 2020; as well as her sisters Ruby and Alice. She leaves behind daughters Janice Miller, Susie (Curt) Kroeze; son Roger (Johnetta) Graafstra; daughter-in-law Stacey Graafstra; 7 grandchildren; 1 step-grandson; and 6 great-grandchildren. As a family, we would like to thank the staff of Arlington Health & Rehabilitation for being kind and caring throughout her entire time there. We would also like to thank our family and friends for their love and support through this difficult time. Due to Betty's wishes, a funeral service will not be held. Visitation will be held at Weller Funeral Home between the hours of 12:00 and 4:00 on Thursday, September 29, 2022. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at 1:00 PM at Arlington Municipal Cemetery.
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