Betty Jean Sipprell

Betty passed away from congestive heart failure on October 20. She was born on March 19, 1936, in Portland, OR to Mary Elizabeth and Glen Cate. Betty grew up in Forest Grove, and was an active child who loved roller skating, reading, and visiting her Grammy on the family farm in Newberg. She studied piano throughout grade and high school, earning several honors, and played alto saxophone in the Forest Grove High School marching band.

Betty briefly attended Lewis and Clark College and spent a semester at Northwestern studying journalism. Then she transferred to the University of Oregon where she met the love of her life, Ralph C. Sipprell. Betty often attended Ralph’s jazz band performances when they were courting and the two also played golf with Betty’s extended family, sharing a love of the game. She earned a BA in sociology and was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority.

After graduation, the couple married in 1959 and settled in SW Portland. Ralph received his law degree, and their daughter Mary was born, followed by daughter Sharon and son Mike. The family enjoyed vacations in Sunriver and at their beach house on the Oregon coast.

Having operated a printing company for several years, Betty decided to expand her work and acquired a resume-writing business. She enjoyed talking with people and helping them identify their best skills, then printing professional resumes for them.

After Ralph passed in 2018, Betty remained active, swimming at the Multnomah Athletic Club, playing golf and bridge at Portland Golf Club, and traveling to her beloved Kauai when she could. In recent years, even though her health was declining, she was still a smiling, vibrant, and positive light to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, and lives on in our memories.

The family is thankful for the care provided by Petruta Cadar and her team at Loving Home Care during the last few months.

Betty is survived by her children Mary Sipprell Pool (Bob), Sharon J. Sipprell, and Michael Sipprell. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances be made to Campfire Columbia or Sigma Kappa sorority.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Parish in SW Portland.