To Betty's family, we send our sympathy at the loss of dear Betty, who is remembered so much  for her hard work and good deeds at Eastgate Congregational Church over the years. She was wedding director when our girls got married there in 1988 and 1991, she was in WITS with us women, sang in the choir, lead us many times from the pulpit, always doing a fine job.   She will always be missed.  Joyce and Mike Bashey

Dear John, Tom, and Judi, 
My condolences to each of you and your families for the loss of your dear Mother, grandmother and great grand. Wow! A life to be proud of.
My name is Helen Gullixson Stoll, Judith Johanson Gullixson's older daughter. My father, Donald R. Gullixson, grew up with your Dad, Jack, and his brother Jim, in Portland. Don & Judy and Jack & Betty Lou were very close friends in their pre and early marriage days and remained in touch as they were able until my Mother's death in 1988. 
During WWII my mother served in the Army Nurse Corps and was stationed at Fort Lawton in Seattle which was near your Mother's family home on Ward Street on Queen Ann. Your Mother's family was Judy's home-away-from- home for 3+ years as she served and waited for Don to return from his infantry service in the jungles of New Guinea and the Philippines. Betty Lou and Judy spent a lot of time together. After the war and anxious to get back to a “normal' family life, Don & Judy settled in Portland while Jack and Betty Lou settled in Bellevue. As a small child I remember trips to Seattle and cabins on Puget Sound with the Stansberys.  
I remember the Stansbery visit to our (Gullixson) Portland home while Betty Lou was pregnant with Judi and suddenly needed to remain on bed rest. Mother's nursing skills, always present, kicked in - bed pan and all. The pregnancy was stabilized and Betty Lou was able to return to Seattle safely within a few weeks. 
In those days, pre I-5, a trip between Seattle and Portland was a slow 8 hours; and time off work was not easy to take. Having and raising babies kept these devoted parents very busy and generally happy. In 1949 my Mother was stricken with a severe autoimmune disease which left her in a wheelchair and in constant pain by 1960. So visits were rare between the two families; but the bonds from their younger days remained. They just genuinely, unconditionally loved one another. As I remember Jack and Betty Lou loved nicknames. Jack called my Mother “Miss Jo.” 
Jack and Betty Lou made a short visit to my home in Shoreline when Don & Judy were up from Portland for a rare visit and Jack was toward the end of his illness. It was bittersweet to see the four of them together. Don & Judy were heartbroken to see Jack bravely carrying on. 
The last time I saw Betty Lou was a 1987 visit she made to our home at the time in Shoreline to spend the day with Judy. I think that they had a pleasant time. I remember distinctly Betty Lou musing about how complicated the younger generation seems to need to make life….”so many questions!”) For her it was “simple” – love wholeheartedly and enjoy every moment. 
I've always been sorry that I lost touch with Betty Lou after Mother died in 1988. I remember so well your Mother's effervescent smile for those she knew and loved. Her energy and zest for life seemed unflagging. She loved family and friends wholeheartedly always so proud of each one; and she was delighted with so much of what she experienced.
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember your dear Mother and carry on the gifts that she poured into your lives. May your memories come to be a source of comfort, joy and amusement as time goes on. She was a truly amazing presence and gift to all. 
With deep sympathy,
Helen Stoll
Kingston WA

Betty...Mrs. Stansbery for so many years...you were my second mother during my teen and young adult years, when Judi and I were always up to something. You exampled love, generosity, hospitality and fun. You made me feel welcome and at home, whenever I crossed your threshold. I have so many happy memories of which you're a part.  I will miss you - and look forward to that great day when I will see you again.  Love, Chris

We ere proud to have known you and worked with you on committees and suppers
during our two dozen years at Eastgate Congregational church.  
   - Hans Mueller

Mom, we couldn't come up with a puppet show for your service so decided that everyone should have a piece of your art. We had to wait because you never would have let us do this if we had to ask. Love you and miss you ~ Tom

Mom, you were an example to us in so many ways! While I am thrilled for you and your new residence, I do miss you! Keep an eye on us down here, Mom, till we meet up with you again! Much love, Judi

OBITUARY

Betty Lou Stansbery

August 18, 1917 – April 15, 2014

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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