Betty Jean Wright's Obituary
Betty was born on April 15, 1925 in Butler, Missouri to Edwin and Hazel Bryant. Betty was the oldest of four girls and is survived by her sisters, Donna, MariLou and Karen. The family moved from Missouri to Oregon during the great depression seeking a better life. They eventually settled in Monmouth, Oregon. Betty met her future husband, Lloyd through her sister Donna and her husband Jake who was Lloyd's brother. Betty and Lloyd married on October 14, 1946.
Betty worked outside the home as a Secretary nearly all of her working years until retirement. She spent 17 years working at the International Woodworkers of America Region III office.
Betty and Lloyd were devoted parents. Ken was first to come along in 1949 and Patti in 1951. Growing up in a Christian family, Betty's faith in God was important to her. She and Lloyd raised their children in the First Baptist Church in Gladstone. She managed to work and still take part in her children's hobbies and activities from Girl Scout leader, Guardian for Job's Daughters and to managing the Pow-Wow-Ettes Baton Twirling Corp. She drove Patti to twirling competitions and arranged family weekend outings to Go Kart Races around Oregon and Washington. She was instrumental in helping bring the Go Kart Races to the streets of Gladstone during the "Fair-O-Fun" Festival in the 1960's.
Betty had many interests including sewing and quilting. One of her biggest passions was baking and making Christmas candies and goodies. Known among the family for her hot cinnamon rolls at Thanksgiving and other holidays, she was also famous for her chocolate peanut butter balls. The Wright grandkids and the Highsmith grandkids couldn't wait for Christmas to come. She'd spend weeks before Christmas preparing boxes and tins of cookies, fudges and other goodies for friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to her. The arrival of great-granddaughter Talula, the first girl, created great excitement.
After Lloyd's death in 2004, she became a major cat lover. In her opinion, no cat was going to pass by her porch if it was hungry. She fed many cats in the neighborhood, and over the years she nursed strays back to health, adopted the homeless and fed cats that belonged to neighbors. They all loved her. When you visited her, who could deny her the joy when one at a time, her special three, would take turns crawling up on her lap for a little extra tickle on their head or back. It was a symphony of purring and it made her happy!
Betty is survived by:
Sisters, Donna Wright, MariLou Greenwade, Karen Bastion
Son- Ken Wright & Daughter-in-law - Gloria,
Grandsons - Collin and Garfield,
Granddaughter- Allison Turner and husband, Nate
Great-Granddaughter - Talula
Daughter-Patti Highsmith -
Step Grandson - Michael Highsmith,
Great-Grandson- Ashton,
Step Grandson - Devon Highsmith-wife Ashley,
Great-Grandsons- Blake and James
Step Granddaughter - Meghan Bischoff & husband -Chris,
Great-Grandsons- Lucas, Thomas, Elijah, Andrew, Max, and Josiah.
Several Nieces and Nephews and Grand-Nieces and Grand-Nephews
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