Betty Lou Grassl

Betty Louise Scharline (Betty Lou) Grassl age 89, got her angel wings June 4, 2025. She is survived by her beloved husband Richard of 70 years, children Tina Howard (Scott), Jana Luedtke, Dina Stiebel, and Gina Woodgerd (Mark).

Betty had 12 grandchildren, Stacy, Jeff, Tyler, Josh, Justin, Jake, Jill, Jordan, Nate, Nicole, Dan, and Jeanette. 14 great-grandchildren, Austyn, Carsen, Brookelyn, Kaci, Leslie, Mazen, Cameron, Wayde, Walker, Gaige, Sadie, Ember, Ryland, and Nina.

The second of four siblings, she was born in Portland OR in 1935 to Owen and Helen Kernan. She attended school in Portland OR and graduated from Washington High school in 1954. She and Richard were married June 21, 1954. They moved to Spokane in 1955 lived on Dick Road for 54 years, raising their four daughters there. Their daughters went to school in the West Valley school district. Our neighborhood had at least 27 kids and during the summer months, we were all entertained with the swimming pool and lunch provided by her. She was always the “fun” Mom in the neighborhood. We have cherished memories of living at this house, that she always decorated with her heart, for every single holiday.

Who knows what they were thinking having four daughters with rhyming names – but that was her unique style. She learned to call us by our number 1,2,3, or 4.

Golf was her passion, and she was a member of many women’s golf groups in Spokane, taking the Presidents Cup several times. She was more than happy to share her stories of golf and show her trophies. She loved to craft, play softball, was on bowling leagues, snowmobiled in the early years, and had a beautiful rose garden in her yard.

Betty was a Breast Cancer survivor and participated many years in the Susan B Koman Race for The Cure. She also ran several years in the Spokane Fun Run, one that was held on the 50th Anniversary of the Lilac Torchlight parade.

Anyone who knew her will remember her infectious laugh, her fun personality, her love to share a good laugh and story with you. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the stars in her eyes.

Our family would like to thank for the loving care given by Gentiva Hospice of Spokane to our Mom by Jaelyn, Larissa, Truly, and Brieane, Lighthouse Adult Family Home – Bobby, Eunice, Mom Eunice, and Fiona, Mariposa Adult Family Home - Joseph, Kenny, Marlin, Rick, and Joy.

Please consider donating to the Gentiva Hospice of Spokane or the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Betty.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 21 at Thornhill Valley Chapel; 1400 S Pines Rd Spokane Valley WA. 99206 from 12:45 pm to 2 pm.