Linda R. Betz's Obituary
Linda Rae Betz, 74, of Lakewood, WA was welcomed into Christ's warm embrace on the evening of August 24th, surrounded by her Family. Linda was born on February 25th, 1942 to Erich and Esther Zimmer in Milwaukie Oregon. Linda attended Pacific Lutheran University, getting her teaching certificate in addition to her BA degree. After teaching at Fort Lewis for 2 years, she decided to leave the Pacific Northwest for a new adventure, teaching 1st Grade at Fort Richardson, Alaska. It was in Alaska that she met the love of her life, Captain Dave Betz. Their whirlwind courtship and marriage on October 12, 1968 was the beginning of “Dave and Linda's Excellent Adventure” that lasted for the next 48 years. From bear hunting to fly fishing, from tennis to skiing, from car trips throughout the US to European travels, they were inseparable. In 2010, Linda was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, where for the next 6 years, she fought the disease with dignity and grace, spending as much time as possible with family.
These statistics and biographic topics do not do justice to her life. Linda's kindness, love of all things good, her patience, love and dedication to family, and her devotion to God, were seen and experienced by the many, many people whose lives she touched. She was quick to laugh and you could always count on her radiant smile to elicit a smile back. She was a teacher, a confidant, PTA president, Christ Lutheran Church Council member, Greater Lakes Mental Health Board member, a devoted spouse and a board member and volunteer on countless other community organizations. She worked diligently, without expectations of accolades. Above all, however, she was the guardian and loving mother to her family, kids, and grandkids.
Linda is survived by her husband Dave, her brother Robert, sister-in-law Shannon, her four children, Tony, Holly, Mike and Jenny, daughter-in-law Alisa, as well as her very much treasured grandchildren, Ted, Nick, Alice, Henry, and Charlie. Linda was preceded in death by her mother and father, Esther and Erich Zimmer, and her daughter, Mary Alice.
A celebration of Linda's life will be held @ 1:00 September 9th at Christ Lutheran Church, in Lakewood, Washington. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance or Christ Lutheran Church. The family would like to thank Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Dr. Gabriella Chiorean, and her staff for their professional, empathetic and loving care our most cherished wife and mother.
John 16:22
Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
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