Betty Kathern Elkins, formerly McCrickard, most loved mother and grandmother, died March 16, 2002, and will be sadly missed. She was born Sept. 10, 1927, in the coal mining fields of Kyle, W.V.

Betty lived through the Great Depression and graduated from high school. It was after high school she met and married Henry Bill Elkins on March 15, 1947. Henry was a Navy man and Betty became a career Navy wife. On Sept. 27, 1950, their only child, Laura Susan Elkins, was born. Betty’s life took her to Oak Harbor in 1960 when the family set down roots and made a home.

Betty had many friends in Oak Harbor, but in 1990 made the decision to move to Sedro-Woolley to be close to her daughter and grandchildren, Deborah LeAnne Grotzke, Michael Jesse Elkins Grotzke, Karl Matthew Elkins Grotzke, Kylie Kathrie Grotzke, and foster grandchildren Jean Hulse, Nicole Castilla and great-grandchild Rebecca Hulse. She lived next door to her daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Gary Grotzke.

Betty’s mother, Laura Irene McCrickard; father, Walter Blackwell McCrickard; sisters, Charlotte Campion and Rebecca Sue Rafferty; brother, Walter McCrickard and husband Henry Bill Elkins preceded her in death.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Hospice of Skagit County: 1971 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley, 98284. The family would like to express their grateful thanks to all who were there to assist in the family’s time of need.

Cremation arrangements by Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.