Betty Lois Belfry

Elizabeth "Betty" Belfry (Sullivan) was born on March 13, 1934, in Florida and went to be with our Lord on April 3, 2025, in Spokane Valley, WA. After growing up in Vero Beach and Lakeland with her sister, she met her husband, Jack, in high school. They were married for nearly 65 years and had 2 sons. Jack spent 26 years in the Air Force before retiring as Chief Master Sergeant, taking the family on unique adventures throughout the United States and making lifelong friends everywhere they lived.

Betty enjoyed doing crafts and had many talents, such as making stained glass decorations, hooking rugs, sewing quilts, and cross-stitching beautiful pieces of art. She even created matching clothes for the family and was proud to needlepoint Christmas stockings for her sons and their families, as well. Gardening was another of Betty's joys, and she spent countless days tending to their beautiful yard where she delighted in watching quail and hummingbirds. Jack and Betty adventured often, from visiting national parks to riding train tracks on their modified bikes. They created special memories that they loved to share over dinner at their favorite restaurants, like owning a hobby shop in Puerto Rico or camping in Maine.

Betty was always willing to share her time with others; she taught crafts to her grandchildren, played board and card games with anyone who needed a partner, and spent many hours searching for rubber bands after intense rubber band wars. Her family will miss enjoying their many traditions together, such as Christmas Eve pizza dinners and baking Christmas cookies with kids, grandkids, and even great-grandkids!

Betty and Jack made cherished friends while living at Birch Tree Manor and snowbirding in Palm Springs. After Jack’s death, Betty continued an active life at Orchard Crest Retirement Center. She loved making friends at Orchard Crest and participated in a variety of events there. She adored many members of the staff.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, Edith Sullivan-Marsh (Carter) and Albert Sullivan; her sister, Dottie (Allan); and great-granddaughter, McKinley. She is survived by her two sons, Michael (Catherine) and Robert "Paul" (Margaret); seven grandchildren: Jake, Sam, Sarah, Nick, Sondra, Skylar, and Sherman; and twelve great-grandchildren. Betty's family would like to thank the Spokane Valley Fire Department, the employees of Orchard Crest Retirement Center, Dr Chen, and nurse Chad at MultiCare Valley Hospital.

Gramma Betty will be dearly missed, but her family celebrates her reunion with Grampa Jack after more than 5 years apart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Orchard Crest in the 4th floor Activities Room on Sunday, May 4th at 1:00 pm.