Mom,Our journey together started the day I was born. Although I cannot remember, I’m certain you cradled me with your loving arms and soft touch then just like you always did throughout my life. What will I miss the most? I’ve lost my very best friend, someone I spoke to nearly everyday of my life. 
Death is inevitable: dying concludes our journey on this earth. "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to be born and a time to die." 
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
I am my mother’s daughter, different from her and yet the same. You will live on through me Mom and I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather be like. Mom, I'll see you in Heaven 
Love Always,  Your Daughter Jody Christine XOXOXO

“Faith, Hope, Love, The greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13”

November 18, 1926 to November 29, 2010

Though I never had the privilage of meeting Betty in person, I have listened to all of the memories come back home from my parents (Linda & Tim McLain), from they're visits.  I always heard about what a wonderful cook and hostess she was for the family gatherings.  I know she will be missed...  ~Bridgette Sanchez

[For those who were not in attendance at my grandmother's funeral yesterday, here is a little snip-it of the kind of woman she was... my father read this on my behalf during her service.]

Grandma,

My dad is reading this on my behalf, as I am unable to keep it to together at the moment... the loss of you is
too fresh, speaking of you in front of everyone in past tense would trigger profuse tears, and all anyone would
hear from me would be sobs and sniffling - neither of which will do during this time of remembering you.

My grandma was beautiful, charming, funny, and a down right direct woman. She’d let you know what she thought on any subject, good, bad or indifferent. She never lost her spark. Even up until the end, during one of our last conversations together that took place on her 84th birthday she had me crying my eyes out from laughing so hard. She was recounting an incident that took place the day before, which involved herself and as she put it “four very handsome EMT’s, that could’ve passed as chippendales”. I thought to myself, “did she just say “chippendales”, I had no idea she knew what they were?!”. She went on explaining that it was like any other day, she was on a trip to the bathroom when she fell to the floor between transferring from her wheelchair to the toilet seat. She was lying on the ground and her caretaker was unable to pick her up, so 911 had to be called. To her rescue four very good-looking medics entered and helped her back into her chair. She admitted contemplating acting more hurt than she really was, so they’d stick around longer.... that’s my grandma for you.

Grandma loved her cards. Whether it was a birthday, mother’s day or Christmas card it was a sure bet that
she’d cry reading them. Even if the card wasn’t very emotional, there would always be some word to cause
her to choke up and start the waterworks. We’d all chuckle, rolling our eyes, thinking to ourselves “Oh no,
here we go again. Another 10 min card reading session for one card...” Along with her passion for reading cards, hearing other’s cards being read was a great joy to her as well. Our family tradition for those who don’t know, which of course grandma started, was for the card recipient to read their cards aloud so that everyone at the celebration could enjoy them. My grandma was VERY serious about card reading time. If there was any talking, background noise, etc. going on during a card reading it wouldn’t last long, as grandma’s shrill shout of “Q-U-I-E-E-E-E-T” would blast through the room and all would be silenced. I have to be honest... we’d often talk on purpose just to hear her yell this famous tag line, and then bust up laughing every time. It’s one of those “you have to be there to get it” moments, I guess... but it will definitely be something I’ll always remember about her, that and you better not forget the X’ and O’s!

Another fond, but painful memory (literally) was driving with grandma. Driving with her usually meant we were on one of our “special days”, which all of her grandchildren received, and is the fond part of this memory, but it would also usually guarantee a karate chop to the chest (obviously the painful part of this memory). See, my grandma didn’t learn to drive using cars and instructors like we have now a days, and would use both feet to operate the vehicle she was behind the wheel of, her left for the brake and right for the gas. To say the least it was a bumpy ride. They also didn’t have seat belts back then. So, anytime she had to abruptly stop, I’d receive a hi-ya to the chest to keep me from going through the windshield, only for her to remember after I said “OWE!” that there was a belt strapped across me to perform this task in lieu of her
forearm. But, it was her instinct to protect me, and boy did she do it well, luckily without cracking any of my ribs. Thanks grandma.

I could go on and on, but there is only so much time and others that have memories to share of you as well. So I’ll wrap it up by saying that you’ll be missed grandma, every single day, up until the day we meet again. You hold a very dear and special place in my heart, and along with my parents, you helped shape me into the woman I am today.

With all my love, Shayna (you first grandchild)

 Jody and Family  --As I watch the beautiful slide show tears come to my eyes, great pictures, great memories....Thank you for sharing your family with me. You and your family are in my prayers. God bless you in this time and always .Greatful for Moms...Love you ...
.Pete & Jodi Reinken

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jody, just watched your photo gallery of your Mom, Bette and seeing pictures of your Mom growing up & seeing your family growing up.  I am sorry that I was unable to see your Mom before she passed. However, due to my own illness was unable to visit as we had planned.  For that, I am truly sorry that I could not see her. My prayers & thoughts went daily for You & your family as you went thru this "Journey".
I will remember the times seeing your Mom, Bette and Dad so many times during the years I've known you which is almost close to 30yrs.  I remember seeing your parents in their 1st. home in Mountlake Terrace as well as the home that they have now.  Their home always felt "Warm, cozy & your Mom always greeted their home with a "HUGE SMILE".  I also remember all the years going up to the Lake property when we were in our 20"s.  It was so nice, beautiful during the summer time.  Your Mom & Dad always there welcoming your friends-offering food & beverages extending their place when I would stay out there over at "Lake Tapps".  Sharing the warmth that your Mom & Dad always offered to me was so kind & generous.  I will remember & miss those wonderful times.  They will stay in my memories & I hope in yours along with all the other memories that made you smile when u think of your Mother.
Jody-You were so there 4/me when I lost my Father 18yrs. ago.-Remember I am here and always will be for whatever you need...whatever you need...Love you always  Kailua.

Simply beautiful... the slideshow captured her flawlessly. You two did a wonderful job putting it together, she would've loved to have seen it herself. In looking at her younger pictures, I see a lot of her in me.

I'll be sharing my memories tomorrow... so saving them for then.

Love you grandma, forever, and always. You'll be missed every single day, up until the day we meet again. You hold a very dear and special place in my heart, and along with my parents, you helped shape me into the woman I am today.

With all my love, Shayna

The honor of knowing Betty was a gift from God.  Wendy and Jody, thank you for sharing your mom with so many people.  She made a difference in all our lives and you knew you were loved when Betty was around.  Some of my favorite campfire stories are Betty and Maury ones...you know why!!  Here's to the laughter, joy, hope, and love she brought to all of us.  She's earned her wings...and I expect she'll be visiting my fairy gardens.  Love ya, Mama Betty!

What lovely pictures from start to finish.  It looks like your mom liked to have fun, and was happy up until the very end.  Thank God for a loving Christian mom for you and Jody, Wendy.  God bless you all as you miss her, especially this Christmas.  Love you much,

Paul and Betty Vanderzee

Well, I just got done crying watching that slide show. That was really well put together Mom. Really brought back a lot of great memories of Grandma. 

She was such a caring person. Now that I'm older and think back I remember how she really showed her love for us grand kids. I remember when she took me to Disney Land, and how excited I was as a kid. She knew we'd love it. I'll never forget when we got on the Indana Jones ride and typical concerned mother instincts kicked in for Grandma and when the ride started she thought I didn't have on my seat belt and started screaming and panicking and draping her arms over me & Kelsey to make sure we didn't fall out. She was always on top of those things. haha  

I remember when each of us grand kids had our "day" of the year to spend with Grandma where we got to choose wherever we ate, wherever we went to play (I'd always choose Funtasia by Grandma's house), and what movie we were going to go see. I'd look forward to those so much and she did these things out of the kindness of her heart and because she loved us.

Grandma always had a stern presence at every family birthday. Whether it be her "QUIET!" when she couldn't hear the cards being read, her need for having the snacks and food prepared to perfection and making it known to everyone they were available, or her big bright eyes and smile she always had when she was interacting with one of us. That's what I loved about Grandma. She always gave you 100% of her attention when you spoke with her. She really genually cared about how you were feeling at the time and what you were expressing to her, and she was always going to back you up and support you. She was a very sensitive person and I know how much that meant to my mother as well. 

I have so many memories of my mothers phone calls to my grandma that would last for hours. And I know how much that meant to her. Grandma was always supporting her every thought with sensitivity and my mom was always able to vent to her and be understood. That's what I will miss from Grandma, that I knew whenever I would speak with her she'd always be so positive and supportive and sensitive to how I was feeling. 

I felt priviledged to have been able to make a phone call to Grandma from here in Fargo, ND on her recent birthday and spoke with her for 5-10 minutes. I was able to tell her how much I always have appreciated her support over the years and that I wouldn't be where I am today always striving to be a better person and tring to enhance my career without the back bone of her family support throughout my life. I'll always love my Grandma and want everyone to know that we just lost a VERY caring, loving person that will be missed.

Jody, that was a beautiful slide show of your mom, and whole family.  She looked so very happy in all the pictures.  You were very lucky to have her in your life, as she was you.  Ximenita

Wendy and Bill - that was a beautiful slide show.  Brought tears to my eyes.  She definitely loved the color pink.  Thank you for sharing.  Take care and God Bless.

Todd, Kristl and Kali

Betty Jean Olson was my mother-in-law and we got along great, which I realize is fairly rare these days. Betty experienced a hard life as a young adult, growing up through the depression years, but it didn't get in the way of how she treated and loved her family later in life. Family was high priority for her and we all became fairly adept in celebrating everyone's family birthday, along with time together at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. She made sure of that! She was able to celebrate her 84th birthday on November 18 and, for the last time, enjoyed her day with her family. Christmas is coming upon us soon and there will be a huge void without her presence among us. I shall miss her laugh and her family adventure stories. She was an excellent cook, I might add. Maybe that's why we got along so good?

 - Bill

OBITUARY

Betty Jean Olson

November 18, 1926 – November 29, 2010

Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills Funeral Home & Cemetery

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