John, Amy: I just learned, what happened. How very, very sad. So much life and love cut short. We will always remember Betty with her huge smile, twinkle in her eye and helping hands. Stay strong my friend.
I’m really struggling with finding any words to type. There’s really nothing one can say in this situation that makes us feel any better. I can bolt out sounds and scream and grunt, but that doesn’t bring her back; and there’s still an emptiness. I imagine this is ten fold for you John, Amy and Betty’s family. I can offer you my love, and shoulders with compassion, which are yours as you need them.
I will miss Betty immensely. She had so many beautiful talents and gifts and she made everyone’s life better just in a single acquaintance. She really was one of a kind to treasure, and taken far too soon.
Dear John and Amy,
Betsy sent me an email today letting me know that both Betty and Jim’s son Alex had died last year. You have lost so much but you have gained so much more from having her in your lives.
John and family,
So very sorry to hear this. If only being a good, kind person insured an good long life.
My deepest condolences to John and the family. I remember my first meeting with Betty when I interviewed as a college student to intern for her and Eileen at Zymo. She was very generous with her time and knowledge to teach and mentor me. It’s only in retrospect do you realize how influential some people are when you were young. We laughed a lot when we worked together. I’m glad to see she has been living a happy and full life, being in the outdoors. And that she still had many pets. Her untimely passing is a huge loss.
You could always trust Betty to give you a straight answer and tell you what you needed to know. I sought her advice often during my years at Zymo. My deepest sympathy John and family. What a beautiful person she was. I had the utmost respect for Betty and am grateful to have known her. So sad that she is gone. Thank you for this loving tribute.
There’s this huge void in my heart that Betty filled. I miss her. She brought a rich dimension to my life and the life of my family. I will always be grateful for her love of life, love of family and love for others. My heart and prayers go out to you, John, and to her family.
I’m deeply saddened by this news! Betty was one of the the most cheerful people I remember from Zymo. She will be missed by many. Sending all my heartfelt condolences to you and your family!
John and Amy
Thank you John and Amy for sharing this beautiful tribute to Betty.
Betty was a years long loyal friend with many shared memories.
She lived life fully and her humor, compassion, intellect and integrity were unsurpassed.
I will miss our laughing sessions, long talks of interests in music, gardening and politics.
Betty had a fulfilled life with supportive sibs, the love of her life in you John and an instant family with beloved daughter Amy.
I’m holding you close to my heart.
Her death is a reminder to live our precious lives in the moment.
I miss her dearly!
Betty was a true inspiration for all of us from Zymo. She started out in glass wash and moved upward to scientist. But above all, it was her kindness that made her special. She will be missed. My condolences to all that she touched.
John you have given a beautiful tribute to Betty and her life. She was full of joy and beloved by everyone around her. Thank you for sharing this with us all – and as you so artfully put it – may one days our hearts be healed.
I am truly sorry for the loss of your sole mate. The pictures depict a very full and wonderful life for my classmate, I am glad she was able to live the life she had with you. Prayers are sent your way, the loss of a loved one sometimes can seem unbearable.
I was so saddened to gear of Betty’s passing. My deepest condolences and prayers for your family. She was intelligent, funny, caring, likable and I was impressed by her publication, great research.er. Thank you for sharing such wonderful moments of her life. Rest In Peace Betty.
Such sad news John. All the best to you and yours.
What a beautiful tribute to Betty. I’m deeply saddened by her loss. She was one of the most joyful and kind individuals I’ve encountered, and I will remember her fondly. My thoughts go out to John and all those her mourn her passing.
I’m so saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. What a beautiful soul. I have fond memories of working with both of you. Betty was so smart, with a smile on her face and a pencil behind her ear. My husband and I had a great time crabbing with you guys, although I think Betty and I were more interested in the orcas. May memories give you and your family some peace during this difficult time. Sending lots of love.
Prayers for you and all family! She was the best, always a smile on her face even when I teased her daily with “ hey bouncing Betty”. Peace be with you!
John,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Betty and her relentless kindness – no matter what. This tribute truly shows a beautiful soul, who will be missed by all who knew her. I hope you find peace in knowing what great contributions you brought to her life. My thoughts are with you.
John, Betty and you gave us so many good memories. Betty was competent, brilliant, and possessed of common sense. The beautiful tribute you put together as well as the loving comments of your friends here are so poignant. We are so extremely sorry for your loss. And for our loss.
Betty was an absolute treasure, our thoughts are with you and Amy.
Beautifully written tribute…thanks John, Amy, and Carol. The pictures definitely depict who she was. I only wish we had spent more time together. I will forever miss her presence at our cousin reunions and most definitely will miss her famous pickles! Thoughts and prayers to all who knew her—-she will be missed😘
What a loving tribute. Memorable in so many ways. John, so happy you found your life’s partner and Amy could join in.
John, what a wonderful tribute to Betty. I was so sorry to hear of her passing. You clearly had a wonderful partner in life. Enjoy all those good memories and take care of yourself.
That slide show is a lovely acknowledgment to Betty’s bold and adventurous life. How can one be so strong and so sensitive at the same time? She was a truly extraordinary and rare individual and will be greatly missed. My heart is with you.
I unfortunately never saw Betty after high school, but pretty sure she was our valedictorian and one of the kindest people in our class. I’m glad to know she had a full, happy, and fulfilled life. I’m so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful tribute John. Betty was one of the first friends I made at Zymo so long ago. You and Betty were perfect for each other in every way! I loved all the pictures of her enjoying nature, fishing and her sweet pets. The last time we saw you guys was in Friday Harbor a couple of years ago. You had us over for dinner on your boat and it was awesome. May all the sweet memories bring you and your family comfort for years to come and may she rest in heavenly peace.
I am saddened to hear about Betty. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to all her family and friends. 💕
My heart is heavy for this tremendous loss. I have many fond memories of working with Betty. She was adored and respected by so many and will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences to John, Amy and Betty’s family and friends.
This is so sad .Betty was terrific but she had a talent that surprisingly few have- Betty had an enormous amount of common sense. I’m sure she was a wonderful partner for you John and I am very sorry that you won’t be able to share with her all the things you enjoyed together
This tribute to Betty reflects a life lived fully and with such vigor, my sincere sympathies for the void left by her passing. A toast to Betty!
What a lovely tribute to a beautiful soul. Such a shocking and terrible loss. Betty was an absolute delight to work with, and adored by all who knew her. My deepest condolences to John and her family and friends…hold tight to your great memories of her wonderful life.
I was so sad to hear Betty’s passing. She’s one of the best person I met when I first started at Zymo in 1986. Cheerful. Sweet. Funny and everything i could wish for a fruend. Althiugh I have not seen her in a long time, it still saddened me to hear her tragic accident. RIP Betty.
John, I am shocked and greatly saddened to hear about Betty. Marilynn and I send our condolences to you and the family. That is a beautiful tribute you wrote and from what I knew of Betty every word is true. I know you will be lost without her and only time will heal the wound, but the scar will remain forever.
A wonderful glimpse at a life well-lived. Betty was a delight her entire life, and I will miss her terribly. Good thoughts and love to the Forstrom/ Haldeman/ Kerby/ Lamebull family from one of the Wommack cousins. Hoping we can get together to cry and laugh soon.
Still trying to process Betty’s passing – a beautiful soul gone too soon. I watched this loving tribute through tears. So many memories. My deepest condolences to you, John, to Amy and to both your extended families. May she rest in peace and my you and Amy find comfort in the coming days.
What a perfect soul! I am so sorry for your loss!
Every picture reflects how I want to remember Betty. Sitting here crying and trying to wrap my mind around the unbelievable, the tragedy and the enormous void that Betty is leaving behind that will never be filled. There are no words to soothe your heart and I can only join the sadness and pain.
This is a beautiful tribute and really captures the kind, fun, and beautiful person Betty was. My condolences to the family. She will be missed.
With the loss of Betty, there will always be a void that can’t be filled. She was an amazing woman who will be truly missed. We were fortunate to have had her in our lives. So many good memories full of laughter. John and Amy, we cannot express in words the depth of sorrow we feel.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful, kind and generous human being. It captures her spirit perfectly. We will miss her so much. My sincere condolences to everyone whose lives she touched.
Betty really enjoyed life. Such a nice tribute. We are so sorry for this devastating tragedy and the void and pain that her loss to this life brings. Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Beautiful tribute! I remember being in school together, Campfire girls, and hanging out at each other’s houses. Fun times. My heart and prayers go out to all of you.
What a heartfelt lovely tribute to Betty. Looks like she loved life and lived it well. Her time here was too short,.
Our thoughts are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Wonderful tribute! Whenever Joan and Betty got together, they would start giggling like school girls within minutes. It was so fun to watch. A better friend there never was.
What a beautiful tribute to such a fabulous person. Her life was well lived. Good job John, Carol and Amy! My heart goes out to you and your family.
So sad to hear about Betty. But what a beautiful tribute with this video. First picture, I saw my Grandmother’s eyes! I feel I know Betty better now. Can see she loved the outdoors, animals, and family. Wish I had known her better and all my cousins. Know how much you all will
Miss her. Cousin Myrene
My heart goes out to everyone that was touched by Betty. What a beautiful slideshow where I felt her essence.
We were the best ever misfits in high school. She saved my soul there. We loved Simon and Garfunkel….I loved her piano playing abilities…. I have never met a more intelligent but funny as hell gal…..never. I just saw her 2 years ago. We will meet again and this time we will be the popular ones …but maybe we do not want to be???
John, Amy: I just learned, what happened. How very, very sad. So much life and love cut short. We will always remember Betty with her huge smile, twinkle in her eye and helping hands. Stay strong my friend.
I’m really struggling with finding any words to type. There’s really nothing one can say in this situation that makes us feel any better. I can bolt out sounds and scream and grunt, but that doesn’t bring her back; and there’s still an emptiness. I imagine this is ten fold for you John, Amy and Betty’s family. I can offer you my love, and shoulders with compassion, which are yours as you need them.
I will miss Betty immensely. She had so many beautiful talents and gifts and she made everyone’s life better just in a single acquaintance. She really was one of a kind to treasure, and taken far too soon.
Dear John and Amy,
Betsy sent me an email today letting me know that both Betty and Jim’s son Alex had died last year. You have lost so much but you have gained so much more from having her in your lives.
John and family,
So very sorry to hear this. If only being a good, kind person insured an good long life.
My deepest condolences to John and the family. I remember my first meeting with Betty when I interviewed as a college student to intern for her and Eileen at Zymo. She was very generous with her time and knowledge to teach and mentor me. It’s only in retrospect do you realize how influential some people are when you were young. We laughed a lot when we worked together. I’m glad to see she has been living a happy and full life, being in the outdoors. And that she still had many pets. Her untimely passing is a huge loss.
You could always trust Betty to give you a straight answer and tell you what you needed to know. I sought her advice often during my years at Zymo. My deepest sympathy John and family. What a beautiful person she was. I had the utmost respect for Betty and am grateful to have known her. So sad that she is gone. Thank you for this loving tribute.
There’s this huge void in my heart that Betty filled. I miss her. She brought a rich dimension to my life and the life of my family. I will always be grateful for her love of life, love of family and love for others. My heart and prayers go out to you, John, and to her family.
I’m deeply saddened by this news! Betty was one of the the most cheerful people I remember from Zymo. She will be missed by many. Sending all my heartfelt condolences to you and your family!
John and Amy
Thank you John and Amy for sharing this beautiful tribute to Betty.
Betty was a years long loyal friend with many shared memories.
She lived life fully and her humor, compassion, intellect and integrity were unsurpassed.
I will miss our laughing sessions, long talks of interests in music, gardening and politics.
Betty had a fulfilled life with supportive sibs, the love of her life in you John and an instant family with beloved daughter Amy.
I’m holding you close to my heart.
Her death is a reminder to live our precious lives in the moment.
I miss her dearly!
Betty was a true inspiration for all of us from Zymo. She started out in glass wash and moved upward to scientist. But above all, it was her kindness that made her special. She will be missed. My condolences to all that she touched.
John you have given a beautiful tribute to Betty and her life. She was full of joy and beloved by everyone around her. Thank you for sharing this with us all – and as you so artfully put it – may one days our hearts be healed.
I am truly sorry for the loss of your sole mate. The pictures depict a very full and wonderful life for my classmate, I am glad she was able to live the life she had with you. Prayers are sent your way, the loss of a loved one sometimes can seem unbearable.
I was so saddened to gear of Betty’s passing. My deepest condolences and prayers for your family. She was intelligent, funny, caring, likable and I was impressed by her publication, great research.er. Thank you for sharing such wonderful moments of her life. Rest In Peace Betty.
Such sad news John. All the best to you and yours.
What a beautiful tribute to Betty. I’m deeply saddened by her loss. She was one of the most joyful and kind individuals I’ve encountered, and I will remember her fondly. My thoughts go out to John and all those her mourn her passing.
I’m so saddened to hear of Betty’s passing. What a beautiful soul. I have fond memories of working with both of you. Betty was so smart, with a smile on her face and a pencil behind her ear. My husband and I had a great time crabbing with you guys, although I think Betty and I were more interested in the orcas. May memories give you and your family some peace during this difficult time. Sending lots of love.
Prayers for you and all family! She was the best, always a smile on her face even when I teased her daily with “ hey bouncing Betty”. Peace be with you!
John,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Betty and her relentless kindness – no matter what. This tribute truly shows a beautiful soul, who will be missed by all who knew her. I hope you find peace in knowing what great contributions you brought to her life. My thoughts are with you.
John, Betty and you gave us so many good memories. Betty was competent, brilliant, and possessed of common sense. The beautiful tribute you put together as well as the loving comments of your friends here are so poignant. We are so extremely sorry for your loss. And for our loss.
Betty was an absolute treasure, our thoughts are with you and Amy.
Beautifully written tribute…thanks John, Amy, and Carol. The pictures definitely depict who she was. I only wish we had spent more time together. I will forever miss her presence at our cousin reunions and most definitely will miss her famous pickles! Thoughts and prayers to all who knew her—-she will be missed😘
What a loving tribute. Memorable in so many ways. John, so happy you found your life’s partner and Amy could join in.
John, what a wonderful tribute to Betty. I was so sorry to hear of her passing. You clearly had a wonderful partner in life. Enjoy all those good memories and take care of yourself.
That slide show is a lovely acknowledgment to Betty’s bold and adventurous life. How can one be so strong and so sensitive at the same time? She was a truly extraordinary and rare individual and will be greatly missed. My heart is with you.
I unfortunately never saw Betty after high school, but pretty sure she was our valedictorian and one of the kindest people in our class. I’m glad to know she had a full, happy, and fulfilled life. I’m so sorry for your loss.
What a beautiful tribute John. Betty was one of the first friends I made at Zymo so long ago. You and Betty were perfect for each other in every way! I loved all the pictures of her enjoying nature, fishing and her sweet pets. The last time we saw you guys was in Friday Harbor a couple of years ago. You had us over for dinner on your boat and it was awesome. May all the sweet memories bring you and your family comfort for years to come and may she rest in heavenly peace.
I am saddened to hear about Betty. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to all her family and friends. 💕
My heart is heavy for this tremendous loss. I have many fond memories of working with Betty. She was adored and respected by so many and will be greatly missed. Deepest condolences to John, Amy and Betty’s family and friends.
This is so sad .Betty was terrific but she had a talent that surprisingly few have- Betty had an enormous amount of common sense. I’m sure she was a wonderful partner for you John and I am very sorry that you won’t be able to share with her all the things you enjoyed together
This tribute to Betty reflects a life lived fully and with such vigor, my sincere sympathies for the void left by her passing. A toast to Betty!
What a lovely tribute to a beautiful soul. Such a shocking and terrible loss. Betty was an absolute delight to work with, and adored by all who knew her. My deepest condolences to John and her family and friends…hold tight to your great memories of her wonderful life.
I was so sad to hear Betty’s passing. She’s one of the best person I met when I first started at Zymo in 1986. Cheerful. Sweet. Funny and everything i could wish for a fruend. Althiugh I have not seen her in a long time, it still saddened me to hear her tragic accident. RIP Betty.
John, I am shocked and greatly saddened to hear about Betty. Marilynn and I send our condolences to you and the family. That is a beautiful tribute you wrote and from what I knew of Betty every word is true. I know you will be lost without her and only time will heal the wound, but the scar will remain forever.
A wonderful glimpse at a life well-lived. Betty was a delight her entire life, and I will miss her terribly. Good thoughts and love to the Forstrom/ Haldeman/ Kerby/ Lamebull family from one of the Wommack cousins. Hoping we can get together to cry and laugh soon.
Still trying to process Betty’s passing – a beautiful soul gone too soon. I watched this loving tribute through tears. So many memories. My deepest condolences to you, John, to Amy and to both your extended families. May she rest in peace and my you and Amy find comfort in the coming days.
What a perfect soul! I am so sorry for your loss!
Every picture reflects how I want to remember Betty. Sitting here crying and trying to wrap my mind around the unbelievable, the tragedy and the enormous void that Betty is leaving behind that will never be filled. There are no words to soothe your heart and I can only join the sadness and pain.
This is a beautiful tribute and really captures the kind, fun, and beautiful person Betty was. My condolences to the family. She will be missed.
With the loss of Betty, there will always be a void that can’t be filled. She was an amazing woman who will be truly missed. We were fortunate to have had her in our lives. So many good memories full of laughter. John and Amy, we cannot express in words the depth of sorrow we feel.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful, kind and generous human being. It captures her spirit perfectly. We will miss her so much. My sincere condolences to everyone whose lives she touched.
Betty really enjoyed life. Such a nice tribute. We are so sorry for this devastating tragedy and the void and pain that her loss to this life brings. Wishing you comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Beautiful tribute! I remember being in school together, Campfire girls, and hanging out at each other’s houses. Fun times. My heart and prayers go out to all of you.
What a heartfelt lovely tribute to Betty. Looks like she loved life and lived it well. Her time here was too short,.
Our thoughts are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Wonderful tribute! Whenever Joan and Betty got together, they would start giggling like school girls within minutes. It was so fun to watch. A better friend there never was.
What a beautiful tribute to such a fabulous person. Her life was well lived. Good job John, Carol and Amy! My heart goes out to you and your family.
So sad to hear about Betty. But what a beautiful tribute with this video. First picture, I saw my Grandmother’s eyes! I feel I know Betty better now. Can see she loved the outdoors, animals, and family. Wish I had known her better and all my cousins. Know how much you all will
Miss her. Cousin Myrene
My heart goes out to everyone that was touched by Betty. What a beautiful slideshow where I felt her essence.
We were the best ever misfits in high school. She saved my soul there. We loved Simon and Garfunkel….I loved her piano playing abilities…. I have never met a more intelligent but funny as hell gal…..never. I just saw her 2 years ago. We will meet again and this time we will be the popular ones …but maybe we do not want to be???