Betty Jean Paul

Betty Jean O’Malley was the youngest of three children, born February 21, 1932 in Great Falls, Montana, to Frank and Lettie O’Malley, joining her brothers Frank and Don. The family moved to Spokane where Betty attended elementary school in Garden Springs and Lewis & Clark High School. In 1950 she enrolled in St. Luke’s School of Nursing.

Betty married Don Scott in 1951 and they moved to Billings. She and Don had three boys, Rick, Jack and Jim. After Don’s death in 1959 the family moved back to Spokane, where Betty continued her studies to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse, graduating from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1962, and earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in 1964. She had a wonderful, fulfilling career as an instructor of nursing at Spokane Community College, and also volunteered with Hospice.

Betty married Glen Paul in 1974. They were actively involved in their home church, Bethel Church of the Nazarene, where Betty taught Sunday School, was a member of the Missions Council, participated in Work & Witness trips, served as the 50+ director, helped coordinate meals for special events, and served in countless other ways in the life of the church. Betty and Glen enjoyed extensive traveling across the country in their RV. They made every effort to attend their children’s and grandchildren’s concerts, sports and school events. Betty particularly enjoyed cheering on Bethel’s basketball team (Get that ball!). She loved spending time with family at their place on Sacheen Lake and was thrilled to finally see a cabin built on the land she had purchased in the 1960s. Betty had many close friends, particularly Ed Neighbors, who accompanied her on many adventures after Glen passed away in 2009 and was with her regularly during her last days.

The last few weeks of Betty’s life, she expressed over and over again how important her family was to her and how blessed she was to have such loving family and friends. Thank you for your attendance here as we honor her beautiful life.