Betty Jean Ellis, 86, went home to her Lord on Feb. 29, 2008, after a brief illness. Betty was born to farmers Edward and Maude Jacobson on May 23, 1921, in Hartley, Iowa. The family resided on various farms in Iowa and Minnesota during her childhood, until her father retired to Waterloo, Iowa. Betty graduated from high school in Starbuck, Minn., in 1937.

Through family connections, Betty traveled to northern California in early 1942 to meet Ralph J. Ellis, a land surveyor. Love blossomed, and they were married in Shady Grove, Ore., in April 1942, and started their family. After Ralph’s service in World War II, the couple returned to northern California, and then lived in eastern Washington and southern Oregon, before moving to Alaska in 1962. In 1979 Ralph and Betty moved to Oak Harbor where they thoroughly enjoyed their retirement.

Betty served as a school secretary in Oregon, and later worked for a moving company in Anchorage. In retirement she engaged in many volunteer activities, and at the time of her passing was still sewing quilts for Lutheran charities, and supporting Wycliffe Bible translators. She loved her Lord, her family and her many friends, and was very proud of her Norwegian heritage. Among her many travels, her trip to Norway was a highlight. On Whidbey Island, she particularly enjoyed outings with the Audubon Society.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, only sibling, brother Edward, and her husband Ralph. Mourning her passing are daughter Ruth Anderson (John) of Puyallup and sons William Ellis (Linda) of Warroad, Minn., Edward Ellis (Ann) of Trapper Creek, Alaska and Steven Ellis (Martha) of Coupeville, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Betty will also be missed by Jennie Earles, two nieces and numerous friends.

The family wishes to acknowledge the friendship and support Betty received from the staff and residents of Harbor Tower Retirement Home in Oak Harbor, and we extend special thanks to the staff of Careage of Whidbey for the loving comfort provided during Betty’s final days.

Remembrances in Betty’s name may be made to the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP), 3525 North 124th St, Suite 1, Brookfield, WI 53005 or the Oak Harbor Lutheran Church (OHLC) Blanket Workshop, 1253 NW 2nd Avenue, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Betty Ellis was held March 4 with Pastor Jerry Buss officiating. Private family burial at Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.