Elizabeth Robinson's Obituary
Elizabeth (Bettie) H. Robinson -- loving wife, mother, grandmother, life-long Catholic, good friend to many and member of the Greatest Generation -- passed away peacefully at her home in Lakewood, WA on Saturday, May 25, 2013.
Bettie was born on August 19, 1924 in the small town of Cottonwood, ID to Frank and Gertrude Albers. Bettie was one of five Albers children, with two passing away as infants. Bettie grew up with humble belongings, with her father, Frank, a teller at First National Bank of Idaho and later a bookkeeper at Birkland Lumber Company. Gertrude worked at the Farmers Store. Bettie would tell fond stories of growing up in small town America, watching high school sports with her father and being taught by the nuns at St. Gertrude's Academy in Cottonwood. Her favorite high school teacher was Sister Marcelle Reiner, who taught chemistry. Bettie and her best friend, Beth Dworshak, kept score for the high school basketball team.
Bettie graduated from St. Gertrude's Academy-- which she would have a life-long affection for -- in 1941. She took a job at the Cottonwood creamery after high school, in order to earn money to follow her older sister to nursing school in Spokane. She attended Sacred Heart School of Nursing from 1942 through 1946. After graduation, she worked briefly for Dr. Bush in Spokane, then left Spokane for Seattle to become a flight attendant with United Airlines. After not getting in the September 1946 flight attendant class, she lived in the Seattle YMCA because she could not afford a motel. Bettie took a nursing job with Dr. Robert Rutherford and Dr. Banks in Seattle and worked OB at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, where she met life-long friends Phyllis Deffinbaugh (Hocker), Dorothy Richardson and Gerri Hobi.
On a blind date with a University of Washington graduate and avid golfer at Inglewood Golf Club in 1951, she met and fell in love with her future husband, William (Bill) G. Robinson. Golf became a life-long passion for her and the two of them spent many fun years golfing together. Bill had graduated from the UW in 1946 and entered the Marine corp. Bettie and Bill were married on May 26, 1952 at the Marine corp base chapel at Camp Pendleton, CA, just before Bill shipped out to Korea. They were lifetime partners, married for 31.5 years.
Bettie and Bill lived in Seattle (Ravenna and Sand Point areas) for several years before moving first to Lakewood, then to Sumner, where Bill began a career at The Tacoma News Tribune. They had 3 children: Steve, Jeff and Cindy. Bettie was a passionate mother and devoted wife. Her children recall her staying up late at night to correct their homework and attending every sporting event they participated in, after preparing special meals for them beforehand.
In Sumner, Bettie was active in St. Andrews Catholic Church of Sumner, teaching CCD to young children. In Lakewood, Bettie was active in St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church and she organized the senior potlucks for many years. She frequently returned to visit St. Gertrude's Academy in Cottonwood and her many friends there, including her aunts, Sister Assumpta and Sister Aquinas.
Bettie and Bill were happiest when they were together and with their children. They enjoyed golf and tennis and for many years went to University of Washington football games together. Part of her life left her forever when Bill passed away from cancer in 1984 at the early age of 62. She never remarried, saying no one could ever replace Bill. In her later years, Bettie traveled overseas and to different parts on the United States, and when at home enjoyed her backyard garden. She continued to play serious golf and tennis into her late 70's. Barbecues with her children, their spouses and her 5 grandchildren were one of her great delights.
Bettie would say she lived the American dream. Her values reflected those of the Greatest Generation: hard work, family, Church, sacrifice, and humility. Education was important to her and Bill and all three children were encouraged to pursue post-graduate degrees. In life she taught their children how to live, and in her last years, she taught them humility, grace, and determination.
Bettie is survived by her son Steve (and Julie) Robinson of Wenatchee, WA, son Jeff (and Hoang) Robinson of Raleigh, NC, and daughter Cindy (and Dave) Stevens of Maple Valley, WA, as well as grandchildren Carolyn and Patrick Stevens of Maple Valley and Margaret, William and Katherine Robinson of Wenatchee.
The family would like to thank all who helped her in her later years, particularly Dr. Mulhall, Dr. Kennel, and Dr. Baker, as well as Mei-Li Cox, Colleen Overaa and the staff of Hospice.
A rosary service will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at 7:00 pm at St. Frances Cabrini (5505 - 108th Street SW) in Lakewood, WA. A memorial mass celebrating Bettie's life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 14, 2013 at St. Frances Cabrini. Graveside services to follow. Arrangements by Mountain View Memorial Park, 253-584-0252, www.mountainviewtacoma.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made in Bettie's memory to Monastery of St. Gertrude, 465 Keuterville Road. Cottonwood, ID 83522, 208-962-3224.
She will be forever in our hearts, minds and memories.
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