Betty Marie Church

Betty Marie (Buchanan) Church, 96, passed away peacefully at home on December 2, 2022. She was born on June 6, 1926 in Sequim, Washington. Most of her growing up years were spent in Port Angeles, Washington and she graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1945.

Betty met her future husband, Felix F Church, while babysitting his nephew, Raymond. While fighting in WWII in Italy with the 10th Mountain Division he sent her a letter and proposed. When she asked her Dad what she should do he told her that Felix was a fine young man and she should accept his proposal. They were married on January 6, 1946 in Port Angeles. They were married for 44 years and had two children, Kathy (Steve Peck) and Phil (Beverly), two grand children, Jessica (Keith Schlote) of Caldwell, Idaho and Greg (Bremerton). She also had three great grandchildren, Ty (Tiffany) Schlote, Joe Schlote and Faith Schlote all of Caldwell, Idaho.

Betty attended Olympic College, graduating in 1972 with an AA degree in journalism and was listed among the ‘Who’s who of American College Students’ for her grades and other accomplishments. She went on to write freelance articles for various newspapers and was employed by the Kitsap Journal. She also wrote articles for the 10th Mountain Division Association paper, The Blizzard. In 2003 she was given a Meritorious Service Award by the Mount Rainier Chapter of the 10th Mt. Association for her significant contributions and exceptional service to the Chapter.

Betty and Felix loved traveling and after his retirement they traveled around the United States from coast to coast. Also traveling to Italy twice for reunions of the 10th Mt. Division. England, Scotland, Ireland, France and many other countries were also on their list of places visited.

Betty loved to sew and as her children grew up she made a significant amount of their clothing as well as clothing for her two grandchildren. She taught Kathy to sew at a young age and together they made many wonderful pieces of clothing. She was also very involved in Girl Scouts being an assistant troop leader to Kathy’s troop.

She was an avid reader and writer of letters. In her later years she would write to three or more friends every day telling of her activities and family. And her family was her true delight! Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were truly the apples of her eye!

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert M Buchanan (1972), Rose E Potter (1996), and her husband, Felix F Church (1990)

Betty was a true child of God having accepted Christ as her Savior early in her life. Her favorite verses were “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 and “ Jesus sand to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Give to the LCC K-9 Ministries

Absent from the body, present with the Lord! See you in glory, Betty!

"Living, He loved me...Dying, He saved me...Buried, He carried my sins far away. Rising, He justified freely forever...One day He's coming...Oh Glorious Day!" Casting Crowns ~ Glorious Day