Betty Jean Michelsen's Obituary
After a beautiful, long life spanning 102 years, Betty Jean Michelsen passed away on December 15, 2025. Full of life, warmth and a friend to all, Betty left her mark with all who knew her and her legacy will live on through those who loved her.
Betty was born on September 5, 1923 in Seattle, WA to John Alexander Lee and Mary Aldyth Lee. She had one brother, Duane Lee.
In 1942, Betty met Gordon Michelsen at a roller skating rink–a chance encounter that would forge the direction of her young life. They quickly fell in love and were married in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Shortly after, Gordon shipped off to serve in the United States Navy during World War II.
Betty and Gordon went on to have 4 children together: Raymond, Gail, Roger and Randy.
The two were married for 44 years before Gordon’s passing in 1986.
But Betty’s life and legacy was so much more than what can be portrayed on paper–it was warm and bright and inspiring; a woman full of life.
Her presence was warm, like the beautiful afghans she crocheted for loved ones. Nothing says “I love you” like the hours spent carefully selecting yarn, crafting with care and infusing love into every final project she gifted–something she did until her hands physically couldn’t. To know Betty was to love her.
Betty built a life that was colorful and bright, like the coloring pages that filled her home. She loved to pass the time by carefully staying in the lines, using markers and colored pencils to fill her books with beautiful pictures. Betty’s zest for life and bright smile lit up every room.
Her demeanor was inspiring, because no matter what life threw at her–being born into the Great Depression, sending a husband to War, the caretaking and eventual loss of a spouse and even the death of a son gone too soon–she never became calloused or bitter, as some do. She was optimistic, encouraging and generous, even through her final days.
Perhaps the most special part of Betty’s life was her knack for nurturing. She put others above herself in all situations and could always be counted on to offer encouragement and care, whether towards her kids, a stranger (sure to become a friend) or all of her little dogs that she loved to dote on throughout the years.
As those who loved her can attest, it’s hard to truly sum up just how special Betty Michelsen was.
She was a beloved daughter, a faithful wife, a caring mother, a joyful grandmother, and a loving “dog mom”. But to all she encountered, she was a true, genuine friend. And isn’t being a friend to all such a special thing to be?
Betty is survived by her 3 living children: Ray Michelsen, Gail Keyes and Randy Michelsen; her son, Roger Michelsen, passed away in 2021. Betty also leaves behind 9 living grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren
What’s your fondest memory of Betty?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty?
Share a story where Betty's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?