Betty Mae Grable

Betty Mae Grable passed away on March 20, 2014. She was 86 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack, who passed away on September 8, 2011. She is survived by her brother, Bill Hansen, seven children (Bonnie, Betty, Jackie, Billie, Gary, Lary and Lori), 20 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, two nieces (Melanie Hansen and Beth Martin), one nephew (Jason Grable) and Linda Rosa, Betty's extraordinary caregiver. A complete obituary, is available on www.rill.com .
Betty married Jack Grable on January 28, 1946 in Portland, Oregon. They moved their family to Port Orchard, WA in December, 1961. Once the family was settled, she attended Bremerton Business College. After completing her course work, she worked as a communications specialist at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. She remained at PSNS until her retirement.
Her grandchildren were an important part of her life. They couldn't wait for the release of lady bugs and praying mantis in her garden every year. She loved taking them on long nature walks into the wildlife surrounding Black Jack Creek. An avid reader, she shared her love of literature with her grandchildren. They could always count on story time with grandma and gifts of books for any special occasion.
Betty was an avid vegetable gardener. Late winter was spent perusing seed catalogs and preparing her order for spring planting. Her greatest pleasure was serving meals that came straight from her garden, and she was always eager to share the bounty from her garden with family and friends. Betty was also famous for her cookies. Her bottomless cookie jar provided wonderful sweet treats to all that came to her home.
Betty loved her dogs, and she and Jack were never without at least one. Her daily exercise routine consisted of walks with her dogs around downtown Port Orchard. Unfortunately, her dogs were also known for their solo walks and unauthorized visits to the vet. Betty's last pet, a little Yorkie named Sera, never left her side.
Betty was a devoted mother. This was evident in the love and commitment her children, and granddaughter Lisa, shared as they took turns caring for their parents as their health began to decline. It was her desire to stay in her home and there she passed peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Services for Betty were held Monday, March 24th at 1:00 pm, Rill Chapel, Port Orchard, WA.