Betty Rae (Morlin) Hersey

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Betty Hersey on November 17, 2019 in West Kelowna, BC at the age of 69. Betty was born in Spokane, Washington to Bob and Louise Morlin.

Betty was predeceased by her parents; bob and Louise Morlin and many Aunts and Uncles and one cousin. She will be dearly missed by her husband Rick, her son Glen, her daughter Sarah (Hans) Gorden, granddaughter Lydia, brother Bill (Connie) Morlin, sister Ann Morlin, nephews; Scott Morlin, Jeff Morlin, Alex Morlin, niece Maggie Henley as well as many cousins.

Betty grew up in Peaceful Valley, a neighbourhood in Spokane, Washington, USA, close to downtown right on the Spokane River.  It was known as a tradesmen’s neighbourhood where many Swedish, Norwegian and German immigrants lived.  Betty often talked about her happy childhood growing up near relatives with cousins for playmates.  Her family went on numerous trips fishing, picking huckleberries, enjoying picnics and appreciating the outdoors.  Betty attended Washington Elementary School and Salem Lutheran Church.  She was an active member of Campfire girls.   When she was about 14 years old, Betty worked at the Spokane library.  Betty was the first copy girl at the Spokane Review newspaper in Spokane.  Until then, there had only been copy boys. 

After Betty graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1969, she attended Eastern Washington University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Education in 1973.  From there, she attended Oregon College of Education in Monmouth, Oregon near Corvallis, earning an M.A. in Special Education with a focus on Deaf/Blind instruction. 

As soon as she graduated, she moved to Lethbridge, Alberta where she was hired to teach a preschool program for deaf children aged 4 to 8 years old in order to prepare them to succeed academically in the school system.  She left Lethbridge after about 3 years, moving to Westbank, BC. She worked in Central Okanagan school district, teaching deaf students at Central-Dehart School and later primary students at Lakeview, Westbank and George Pringle Elementary schools until her retirement in 2007.   Throughout her career, Betty was a dedicated, compassionate teacher devoted to her students and their progress. 

Betty met her husband, Rick, in 1974 and they were married on March 13, 1976 at Salem Lutheran Church, Spokane.   The couple resided in Westbank, BC where they raised their children, Sarah and Glen.  Betty and Rick took out Canadian citizenship about ten years ago.  The birth of her grandchild, Lydia, was especially thrilling for Betty.

From an early age, Betty loved animals and had many pets throughout her life.  She cared for every creature and considered all life precious from the smallest fruit fly to the largest wildlife.  Betty had many hobbies.  Her cross-stitch pieces are treasures.  She enjoyed her crafts, photograph albums, Mickey and Minnie Mouse collection, garage sales, music, student choirs, and skits.  She looked forward to Actors Studio productions and Valdy concerts.  Betty was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church and very active in community affairs.  Betty was passionate about Westbank Historical society projects often taking leadership roles.  She planned events celebrating the Fur Brigade Trail, Westbank Days Parade, Remembrance Day at the Westbank Cenotaph, and Westbank Farmers’ Market.  Betty volunteered at the Gospel Mission in Kelowna. Throughout the years, Betty often returned to Spokane to visit family and friends.

Betty was the picture of wholesomeness.  She was methodical, thorough, loyal, honest, thrifty, considerate, resourceful and kind.  Always following the Golden Rule, her Christian faith guided her decisions.  Her folk wisdom was evident by all who knew her. 

A Memorial Service will take place at 1:00PM Tuesday November 26, 2019 at Grace Lutheran Church – 1162 Hudson Road, West Kelowna, BC

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Betty’s memory to one of the following:
Grace Lutheran Church, World Wildlife Fund, SPCA, Historic Westbank Association, Gospel Mission, Ending NF2 Through Gene Therapy (www.kbfcanada.ca).