Betty J. Skanes' Obituary
Betty Jean (Erickson) Skanes
11/29/1929 – 11/20/2014
Betty Skanes, a woman of unique style and a sweet spirit, was born in Tacoma to Eric Leonard and Cora Erickson and married her Lincoln High School sweetheart, “Dreamboat” Robert (Bob) Skanes in June 1949. Bob and Betty lived on A Street for 50 years, giving their family deep connections in the community. While raising four children, Betty was a Cub Scout leader, advisor to the Buck & Doe Juniors, active member of the Paul Bunyan Sportsmen’s Club Auxiliary, and Washington State representative to the National Wildlife Federation. She earned the Outstanding Sportsman of the year for the Pierce County Sportsmen’s Council and the Stevenson/Weisfield’s Award as Outstanding Sportsman of the year for the Washington State Sportsman’s Council.
Betty was an officer of the Pierce County Sportsmen’s Council, sending out newsletters for over 40 years and playing a crucial role in the Council’s decision to assume responsibility for and maintain funding for the Youth Conservation Camps. Thanks to her efforts hundreds of campers sponsored by the local clubs received scholarships and a personal letter at camp.
Bob and Betty were also active in the A Street Alliance and Eastside Neighborhood Council. Betty later became a volunteer at the Washington State History Museum.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and her brothers Darel and Evan. She leaves behind a brother, Leslie Erickson, and a family deeply impacted by the example of her life: daughters Penny (Bob) Larkins and Connie (Dan) Janiga and sons Dennis (Michele) Skanes and Derek (Tamara) Skanes; grandchildren James (Tara) Larkins, Nathan Janiga, Matthew (Erin) Janiga, Kaitlin Skanes, Courtney Skanes, Keely Skanes and Cassandra Skanes; great grandchildren Jarek, June and Kate.
The vibrancy of her life made the last few years of fading awareness sad for everyone who knew and loved her. A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, December 7, at 11:00am in Mountain View Funeral Home’s Aspen Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to the Pierce County Sportsmen’s Council – Youth Camp, 10317 – 61st Ave. E, Puyallup, WA 98373.
Everyone is encouraged to wear something sparkly or feathered in her spirit.
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?