Shirley R. Betts

Shirley Rachel Betts passed away on Oct. 1, 2013 in Vancouver, Washington. Shirley’s 88th birthday was celebrated at her favorite restaurant, McGrath's on September 8th. Most of you have been there when you visited her in Vancouver. Nephew Doug Crandell joined Vicki, Greg, Tyler, Carla, Paige and Xander for the celebration. She remembered Doug's dad's birthday and the birthdays of Lee and Norm, wedding anniversaries too. She teased us all about how much taller we are and how she is getting shorter. She reminisced about the last year and missing her home. Shirley passed away peacefully. Greg and Vicki had been with her just before her passing. She was reading the newspaper when we entered the room at 6:00 p.m. The conversation was lively with discussions about the last couple of days and what we will do the next few days. She had cut out a coupon from McGrath's and wanted to go for lunch. She asked the caregiver for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for a snack and she ate a few bites while we were there. She told Greg and Vicki to "Go get your dinner" and wanted the caregivers to get her ready for bed. They left at 6:45 with a promise to be back in the morning. They got the call in the restaurant that she passed away peacefully with her caregiver by her side while taking her nightly breathing treatment at 7:05 PM.

She is survived by daughter Vicki Page of Vancouver WA, Donald of Oceanside CA, brothers Ellis Crandell, Lee Crandell, and Norm Crandell as well as six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Her grandchildren are Eric Betts, Donovan Betts (deceased), Damion John Betts, Amber Betts, Sam Paige and Tyler Hunt. She is preceded in death by her husband James C. Betts and son Kenneth Betts. She was born Shirley Rachel Crandell in Denver to Orville and Edna Crandell and attended South High School. Near the end of World War II she met her future husband, James Betts, who was stationed at Lowry Air Force base. They were married on March 7, 1947 and shared 56 years together. They lived on South Pearl until 1955 when the moved to Dupont, Colorado near Commerce City. Jim was the proprietor of Jim’s Barbershop at 1887 South. Pearl in Denver for more than 53 years. After her children were older, she worked at the Dupont Post Office and then Montgomery Wards Credit department for 22 years until retirement. Of course, she shared the management of the apartments they owned in Dupont.

She balanced her work life with the demands of three children who needed rides and help for Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, Sports, Cheer leading, and other school and social activities. She enjoyed time with her family and brothers.

She enjoyed many family gatherings and cooking for them. Her Thanksgiving stuffing and pies are thought of fondly. Holiday meals were always fantastic. Having her family all together made her the happiest. For example, in June of 2012 Shirley's brothers and wives came to visit her in Vancouver. Ellis and Darlene of Florida, Lee and Wanda of New Mexico and Norm and Pat of Denver, and Doug Crandell of Oregon gathered with her. They had great conversations about growing up, family vacations and family dinners. This was a great time for Shirley and a memory she spoke of often. She enjoyed showing her town and her home.

After the death of Jim, she moved to Vancouver to be closer to her daughter. Her son Kenneth moved there with her. Ken was helpful in her day to day care until his passing in 2009. She enjoyed the friends and relatives of Vicki and Greg. She went to book club, theater, the movies, shopping, the beach, and to the mountains with them. She looked forward to visits from Tyler and Carla and great grandchildren Paige and Xander.

Her final evening included discussion of looking forward to Thanksgiving when Don and Amber who are coming for their annual visit. She was very fond of son-in-law Greg and always wanted his opinion.

She had a sharp mind and an incredible memory for dates and anniversaries. In their visit last Thanksgiving, Don and Amber enjoyed Shirley telling the story of how her and Jim met and then fell in love.

In her younger days she enjoyed Square dancing and they played pinochle with a group of friends regularly. She enjoyed Skippo cards , Mexican Train, and many board games. She read the newspaper everyday. She enjoyed reading novels and magazines.

Her favorite TV shows were old westerns, like Gunsmoke and she loved the Andy Griffith show. She watched reruns of Little House on the Prairie and The Golden Girls as well as cooking shows, craft shows and Jeopardy. Her current favorite shows were the Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, and Wheel of Fortune. She judiciously watched the news everyday.