Betty Jane Roberts

Betty Jane Roberts May 15, 1925 - September 25, 2021 Wenatchee, Washington A Life Well Lived It was May 15, 1925, in Denver, Colorado, when cries of baby Betty Jane broke through the violin and piano duet of "Moonlight and Roses" played by the baby's grandmother and father, Russell Hugh Adams. Betty was the first of three children born to Russell and her mother, Vanetta. Most of Betty's childhood years were spent in Denver. While she experienced a very difficult childhood during the depression years, Betty always felt a sense of security and peace with Jesus. "He is always with me," she would say from an early age. She worked at a pharmacy to help support her mother and two siblings, Leo and Delores, while attending West High School. In 1943, she married Robert Mark Roberts - a handsome young man from Carbondale near Aspen, who she met while she was working for an adding machine company, and he was attending business school. Florida was their first home together where Bob was stationed in the Navy. After the war, they returned to Denver and welcomed their first born, Bruce. Their daughter, Beverly, was born two years later. The next sixteen years were busy, wonderful family years. Betty was readily and actively involved in all activities, including taking piano lessons alongside Bev, being president of PTA, teaching Sunday school, rooting for Bruce in baseball, tennis, and scouting. In between this busy schedule, Betty became an excellent seamstress, sewing everything from family clothing to dance costumes for Bev. She later began her work career as a bookkeeper and high school secretary to finance college tuition for the kids. Everything changed during the late 60's, when Bob and Betty left Denver for Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to own and operate a motel. In 1970, Betty made the bold decision to enter college at age 46. She graduated with a degree in mental health and continued in post graduate studies while working with delinquent teenage girls in a juvenile home. This was followed by two new passions: painting and Bible Study. A bedroom became her studio, and she developed her gift in both oil and watercolor, from still life, landscape, portrait, and Norwegian rosemaling. These will always be family treasures. When she was not painting, Betty studied and spent many years as a Bible Study Fellowship group leader. She and Bob had wonderful years in the Presbyterian Church in Denver: he worked in the Food Bank, and she taught Bible studies and worked with children. A highlight of those years was an extensive cruise to Norway with the choir, singing in various churches and chapels. When Bob became ill, they moved to assisted living where Betty was his caregiver until he passed in 2004. With an independent spirit, she found an apartment and settled in with a lively cockatiel for company until 2008. She surprised everyone with her decision to move from her much-loved Colorado to Wenatchee, where she spent the last 13 years with Bev and her family. Throughout the years, Betty's grand and great-grandchildren became her delight! Remembering her with love are her children: Bruce (Janice) Roberts, and Beverly (Scott) King. Grandchildren: David (Tatiana) Roberts, Bryan Roberts, Sean McIlnay, Erin (Jeremy) Hirsch, Amy (Zach) Williams, Elizabeth King (William Bowen), Kimber (Eloy) Garcia. The great grands: Carlos Contreras, Paige, Felix, and Jordan Roberts; Quinn McIlnay; Adelyn and Jude McIlnay; Carys, Reise, and Teagan Williams; Cosette and Clover Bowen; Noemi and Gabriela Garcia. Blossom Valley Assisted Living has been Betty's home for the past 7 years. We are so very grateful for the kindness and care she has been given. She relished good hugs, laughter, and chats from all who came by for a visit. You are loved, dear friends! You know who you are! Betty had a non-Hodgins type of Lymphoma Cancer: Waldenstrom's. In keeping true to her giving nature (especially to children), in lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in her name. Donations can be made to the Internation Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation and/or to St. Jude's Hospital. https://iwmf.com/tributes/ https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=faq-how-to-donate-btn Betty's smile and sparkle brought joy to us all! She has been on a mission from the Lord to bring light and joy to those around her. While this became increasingly difficult as health issues mounted, she was determined to the end. Those sparkling blue eyes definitely reflected Jesus! We are certain the Lord is confirming, "Well done, good and faithful servant."