Betty Jean Sodeman

Betty Stettler Sodeman was born during the great depression in 1932 in Aberdeen, Washington. She was the first child of Carl and Eleanor Stettler, lived in a one-room shack on the beach at Hoquiam, Washington, where her father dug clams for a living. Betty’s first crib was one that he carved out of driftwood gathered from the beach. She was the first of six children, the first four born within five years. In the end, Betty was joined by sisters, Jo, Marilyn, and Patty and brothers Ron and Ric.

Their next home was a farm in Salem, Oregon, where they lived with Grandma and Grandpa Stettler. Then the family settled in the Stettler home in Salem when her dad went to work for Stettler Supply Company.

Betty attended Salem High School. Her first date with Tom Sodeman was in ninth grade when he rode his bike to her house to take her out to a movie. They married in 1951 and moved to Southern California where Tom served out his enlistment in the Marine Corps. Connie Sodeman was born in 1952. The following year they returned to Salem, where they purchased the home that would remain their family residence for 65 years. Their son, David, completed the family in 1963.

Betty’s working career (in addition to mothering two children) included working as a typist for Eoff Electric and a secretary for Mayflower Dairy. After taking time off for the birth and early childhood years of David, she next worked for the Boy Scouts of America and finally for the Salem Public School District. After retiring from that position, she did volunteer work with Redeemer Lutheran Preschool where all the children loved it when “Grandma Betty” was there. Connie and David supplied her with six grandchildren of her own and those grandchildren enlarged the family with nine great grandchildren, and she loved every one of them.

Betty was always the ultimate care giver. She rendered tender, loving attention and support to many members of her and Tom’s family in their final days, including Tom until his death in hospice in 2021, fulfilling his final wish to die at home.

After Tom’s death and 70 years of marriage, Betty sold their house and moved to Willamette Lutheran Retirement Community in Keizer, Oregon, with Meow, the kitten Tom coaxed into their lives.

Betty’s warmth and outgoing nature quickly made her a favorite among residents and staff, and she formed many dear friendships while keeping close ties with lifelong friends. Betty was a long-time member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, the Red Hat Society, and TOPS. She was active in organizing her Salem High School reunions for years.

Betty’s hobbies while living in her Salem house included gardening where she nurtured the most fantastic tomatoes, buttery corn, and juiciest raspberries.

She was an avid reader, checking out dozens of books from the Salem library which she devoured with incredible speed. In all her years, Betty never missed sending a birthday card to her family and friends. In the early years, she always included a stick of gum. Many remember this with fondness, and one nephew wanted her to know that those cards ‘fed his soul.” Betty also loved jewelry. Never did she leave home without her matching earrings and necklaces. Even with all those interests, Betty’s favorite thing in the world was the people she loved.

Only at the very end did Betty lose her incredible energy. She never lost her ability to laugh or the inborn sweetness that defined her soul. Only death was able to dull the radiance from her blue eyes, and her silver, naturally curly hair never lost its beauty. Betty died peacefully on November 5, 2025, surrounded by loving family members.

Services will be November 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Willamette Lutheran Retirement Community Chapel at 7693 Wheatland Rd N, Keizer, OR 97303. Phone: (503) 393-1491