Betty Lou Reed

Betty was born during a snowstorm in Easton, WA on December 18, 1937 to Bessie H. (Healy) and Lewis W. Martin. Her family eventually moved to and settled in Wapato. She turned 17 halfway through her senior year at Wapato High, and graduated with a 3.5 GPA from Wapato High School.

Mom loved her three children fiercely, and her six grandchildren and great-granddaughter were a constant source of delight. The family home on 34th Avenue in Yakima was always open to her children’s friends, and she also became known as “Mom” to many of them. The house was full of music – from her record collection, the radio, and the live impromptu performances of her children and their friends. She attended every possible music or drama performance, academic event, and sports activity of her children; then, those of her grandchildren who lived near and in Michigan for those who lived far. As time went on, she also supported many “adopted” kids and grandkids by attending their home and away sporting events.

As an adult, Betty loved to garden, and her roses and other perennials were often the envy of the neighborhood. She loved to conduct narrated “garden tours” for her family and many friends, and took great care – often including flowers from her own garden – when hosting dinner and tea parties.

She was an avid fan of the Seattle Mariners, and epitomized one who was “True to the Blue” – regardless of the fortunes of the team. She would try to attend a few M’s home games each year with her friends, watched live on TV or recorded nearly every M’s game since 2002, and attended Spring Training in Arizona several times.

Betty also found much joy, comfort, and opportunities to serve others in the practice of her Catholic faith, and the fellowship of the parishioners at St. Paul Cathedral. She was a long-time member and Past President of Young Ladies Institute (YLI), and very much looked forward to serving the shut-in community assisting with Masses as a Eucharistic Minister.

She had a long professional career, bringing a strong work ethic – instilled by her parents and grandparents, and reinforced by her siblings – to all she did. While she held many jobs over the years during her life in the Valley and a brief time in Pendleton, OR, her service to Yakima County in 1984 until her retirement in 2000 was a source of pride.

Survivors include her three children: Michael Chrisom (Susan) of Farmington, MI, Theresa “Terri” Wagner (David) of Yakima, and Timothy Reed of Yakima; brother Larry Martin (Phyllis) of Union Gap, and sister Laverda “Marty” Schuler (Richard) of Modesto, CA; six grandchildren: Rebecca Williams (Auburn, CA), Ruth Conner (Royal Oak, MI), Ben Chrisom (Livonia, MI), Kevin Wagner (Chiba, Japan), and Amanda and Cody Reed (Yakima); great-granddaughter, Adrienne Conner (Royal Oak, MI); cousins Judy Senecal (Yakima) and Jollee Julaila (Wapato); and beloved nephews and nieces Steven Martin (Leavenworth), Linda McDougall (Salida, CA), Greg Martin (Algona-Pacific), Chuck Martin (Bothell), Leann Taagepera (Benicia, CA). Betty is also survived by her beloved Balinese cat Jackie.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, and husbands John J. Chrisom and Gary E. Reed.

Betty had many friends throughout her professional and church associations; but the family would like to particularly recognize the loving care and support she received throughout the years from dear “more like family” friends Betty and Keith Butler, Alice Cone Nelson, Juanita Wagner, and Rose and Bonnie Boutillier, and Dorothy Dunlap who mom took loving care of for several years. Mom truly cherished your friendship, and “bragged” on you often.

There will be a visitation held on Monday, July 25, 2016 from 6- 8:00 p.m. with a vigil service beginning at 6:30 at Merritt Funeral Home in Wapato. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Yakima. To share a memory of Betty, please visit www.merrittsfuneralhome.com.