Elizabeth Myers

When I asked Betty, at 103 years old, if she wanted to write her own obituary, she said she’d like to. “How would you like to start?” I asked. Without hesitation, she replied, “Elizabeth Rosemary Rouse came into this world on July 14, 1923 and things have not been the same since!”

As Betty began sharing stories about the farm where she grew up and even sang a childhood song about milling corn, I realized I might have waited a bit too long to gather her thoughts! But that was Betty—full of stories, memories, and a lifetime of experiences worth sharing.

Betty was born in Grand Island, Nebraska to Lulu and William Rouse on their corn and sugar beet farm. As a child, she walked a mile to school no matter the weather. The school had an outdoor water pump, where students took turns using a bucket and dipper to get a drink.

Betty was an enthusiastic 4-H club member, winning state fair prizes for bread baking and dressmaking. Her hard work and determination carried into the classroom, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class.

Continuing her education at Carney State Teacher’s College in Carney, Nebraska, she only took the 77-cent Greyhound bus ride 42-miles home on major holidays. She got her degree in two years and married Richard “Dick” Myers in June of 1943.

Dick soon joined the Marines. While he was away, Betty worked a variety of jobs including inspecting collars and cuffs for the Van Heusen Shirt Company. She later returned to the Nebraska farm, where their daughter, Diane, was born during the war.

When Dick came home, the family moved to Pueblo, Colorado. Soon after their son, Dick, Jr. was born, Dick was called back into service in Korea, once again leaving Betty to manage on her own. In May 1954, the family moved to Yakima to help open a paint store that remains in business today: Standard Paint and Flooring.

Betty worked as the store’s bookkeeper for many years. She also wrote jingles for contests and won several prizes including a washing machine. Betty taught Sunday School and was active in the PTA, the Salvation Army, and the YWCA. Her favorite community contribution, however, was helping at the Gilbert House where she gave tours and hosted events.

After her children were grown, Betty and Dick began traveling the world. Her favorite country was India which she loved because it was so different from where she lived. She also participated in an archeological dig in Montana, searching for dinosaur bones, and earned her pilot’s license at age 55—"just for fun!”

Betty was often spotted at estate sales, where she found treasures for her many collections. Her favorites were toy fire trucks and dolls. She was also an avid investor and subscribed to the Wall Street Journal throughout her life. Even at age 102, she would call her investment broker and tell her to buy a certain stock. In case you’re wondering, Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN) was her last request. It’s done really well!

A wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother, Betty showed up to watch games, celebrate birthdays, and for all the important moments. She worried about her children, but was also an encourager and supporter in every way. One of her favorite sayings was, “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.”

Betty’s best-loved songs were “Deep Purple,” “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” and “Shanty in Old Shanty Town.” She also left us with this advice: “Don’t be too worried about your things. You can’t take them with you.”

Betty is survived by her son, Dick Myers (Kathy); her son-in-law, Tom Berndt; her grandchildren Jodi Mansfield (Jon), Harvey Berndt, Regan Myers, and Craig Myers (Sarah); her great-grandchildren Brittney Corral, Ashley Corral, Lexie Mansfield, Chloe Myers, Cy Myers, Asher Myers, Avrie Myers, and Ali Myers; her great-great grandchildren Roman Andrade, Arabella Lozano, and Lorenzo Andrade; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lulu and William Rouse; her sister Mary Masimer; her brothers Wayne Rouse and Tad Rouse; her daughter Diane Berndt; and nearly all of her friends!

We are grateful to Highgate Senior Living for outstanding care during the last three years of Betty’s life. Our thanks to the staff.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, November 4th at 11:00 AM at Grace of Christ Church, 9 S 8th Avenue, Yakima.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Ghormley, 640 Lost Lake Road, Naches, WA 98937 or the Yakima Valley Museum, 2105 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98902, or sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home, PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA 98936, who is caring for the family.

Rest in peace, Betty. You’re now with Jesus!