Betty Jean Vellias' Obituary
Betty Jean Vellias, 66, a longtime Roy resident died suddenly on October 8, 2002. Betty was born in Des Moines, Iowa on 9/11/36. She graduated from Lincoln High School and also received a BA in music from Washington State College in 1958 and later completed her masters degree in education from Pacific Lutheran University. Betty spent a lifelong career in education. She began her teaching career at Vashon Island and later spent 30 years working for the Bethel School District, retiring as the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education in 1990. She spent her retirement years traveling with her husband and spending winters in Yuma, Arizona.Betty is survived by her husband of 44 years Christ; sister Shirley Rulffes (Walt); children Thea Fautenberry (Ed), Robert Vellias (Mary), Aleta Ewell (Ken); 7 grandchildren, Alex, Nolan, Christine, Caila, Anthony, Cord, and Austin.A Memorial Service will be held October 12th at 4:00 PM in the Mountain View Valley Chapel in Tacoma, WA. A reception will follow immediately after the service. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Betty Vellias memorial scholarship fund at any Columbia Bank branch. The scholarship will be awarded to students of Bethel for excellence in music and education.
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