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This memorial website was created to remember our treasured loved one Betty Lou Allen who was born in Des Moines, Iowa on February 21, 1929 and passed away on October 31, 2018. You will live forever in our memories and our hearts. 

This page is a work in progress and a tribute to my beloved aunt who I miss with all my heart. It's hard to believe she's gone and there will be no more two or three-hour long phone calls. There's so much to be said about this wonderful lady. I was blessed to have her in my life. I hope you will light a candle, add your memories and/or photos. Please check back for updates as well as additional photos. 


8/26/2019 Update:

Although my intention was to add to the site, there have been many events that have taken place since I set up this memorial. Within four months of Aunt Betty passing, my Aunt Ivadell and my mother Delores passed away. I spent nearly two months in Iowa this year between being with my mother during her final days and settling my Aunt Iva's estate. 

Before my visit with Aunt Betty last year, we planned to do a DNA test. There were numerous reasons to believe my mother was her full sister rather than her half sister. However, due to the fast decline in her health, we weren't able to do the test. However, I did a DNA test with her cousin from her father's side of the family. As predicted, my DNA connects me to the Clarke's. I have no connections to the family of the man my mother thought was her dad. 

I loved Aunt Betty whether she was my mom's full sister or half. It didn't matter to me, but I know she would be happy that I carried out her wish. I'm grateful for the conversations we had about her father because as it turns out, he was my grandfather. I wish I had learned more from her about the family.

Through Ancestry, I've already found some fascinating history as well as coming across some photos. I'll post them on the site as soon as I have an opportunity. I'd also like to add a memorial for my mother and my Aunt Iva as well. Hopefully I'll be able to add more to the site soon. Once again, feel free to post pictures and memories. 


                                                                      


                                                                    Obituary



After a courageous battle with cancer, Betty Lou Allen age 89, passed from this world into the arms of her Heavenly Father on October 31, 2018, at Prestige Care & Rehab in Burlington, WA under the care of Hospice. In her final days, Betty was surrounded by her devoted husband, loving family, and friends.

Betty was born February 21, 1929, in Des Moines, IA to Joseph "Joe" Calvin and Elsie Edith (Knight) Clarke. She was the oldest of six children. After high school, Betty took pride in landing her first job as a Telephone Operator in Ottumwa, IA. In 1950, Betty married George Swanson. To her delight, they were blessed with a son, Douglas, who ended up being her only child. When her son was just a few years old, her husband took a new job and they relocated to Peoria, IL.

Being a mother came naturally for Betty. When weather permitted, you'd find her pushing Doug in his stroller or taking him to the park. Although raising her son was a priority, Betty had strong work ethics and worked a variety of jobs over the years. She was a multi-talented lady who took pride in keeping her home looking nice. Betty had a passion for decorating. She loved adding special touches to make things look pretty. Even when she needed to be thrifty, Betty found ways to spruce things up. She was a whiz in the kitchen. Betty was known for being a fabulous cook. She took pleasure in preparing tasty dishes and whipping up fabulous desserts. Betty enjoyed entertaining. Through the years, she surrounded herself with plants and beautiful flower gardens. Betty was fond of animals and cherished her pets.

With her son Doug grown and living in Canada, Betty returned to Iowa to be near family. Within a couple of years, Doug joined her there until he decided to travel. The family was overjoyed to have Betty close by. Holidays or family gatherings were made special by Betty being there. She developed especially strong bonds with some of her family and remained close with them throughout the years. They remember Betty's kindness, devotion to family, her upbeat personality and sweet nature. 

After Betty got settled from her move, she temporarily took a job at a sewing factory. Later she got a position cooking for patients at a care center. Betty enjoyed getting to know the patients. They adored her. Working there turned out to be Betty's favorite job. Many years later, she also owned and operated the Red Star Cafe in Oskaloosa.

Although it was bittersweet for her Iowa family, in 1987 Betty moved to Mount Vernon, WA to be with Doug, his wife, and her granddaughter Christine. She was there when her second granddaughter Jennifer was born. Betty delighted in helping raise her two granddaughters. They were her pride and joy. Betty carried on the same tradition taking them on long stroller rides just like she did with her son Doug. Betty took her granddaughters to church at His Place Foursquare Church where she was an active member. Her granddaughters have many fond memories of the way their grandmother went all out for the holidays with her special touches. They remember how loving and caring she was. When her granddaughters started having children of their own, Betty welcomed spending time with them. She was always there when anyone needed her.

Betty had great empathy and compassion, especially for the homeless. She took them to church and invited them to her home occasionally for a meal, especially around the holidays. Betty always had a word of encouragement for anyone going through difficult times. Her life wasn't always easy, but when Betty was faced with adversities in life, she met them with courage and inner strength. Betty was an active lady who loved being around people. She was a member of the Skagit Gleaners until her health began to decline. One of her roles was being in charge of distribution. Betty also re-instituted the monthly newsletter.

Often attending the Mount Vernon Senior Center with friends, Betty met David Allen. They immediately liked each other and enjoyed spending time together. They were married on April 10th, 2015. Betty felt blessed to be a part of David's family and was glad to have the opportunity to get to know them. They felt the same about her.

David and Betty had a warm and loving relationship. They worshiped together and attended Bethany Covenant Church. They loved traveling in scenic Eastern Washington, putting puzzles together, watching movies and spending time with family. Although Betty wasn't able to hike, she found a way to be a part of David's love of hiking. When he wanted to hike, Betty drove him to Little Mountain Park. Afterward, she picked him up. David remembers Betty's big smile the moment she saw him reach the end of the trail. She was always glad to see him. David's typical greeting to her was, "Hello beautiful!" Betty would respond, "Hello my handsome guy!" To the very end, she said they were still in their "Honeymoon" phase.

Betty is survived by her loving husband David, her granddaughters Christine Tavares, Jennifer (Lynx) Armstrong, her stepchildren Rebecca (Craig) Palm, Jonathan (Gepke) Allen, Dan (Ruth) Allen and Larry (Annette) Sisson, seven step-grandchildren, two sisters Ivadell Corpier and Delores Taylor. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, great-nieces, great-nephews, and special friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her son Doug, one brother, Charles Clarke, two half brothers, William Baysinger and Harold Martin along with a niece Brenda Beck, a nephew Lester Taylor and a great-nephew, Cory Taylor. 

A special thanks to Prestige Care & Rehab and Hospice for all the wonderful care given to Betty during her final days. Thanks also to Chaplin Gorden for his prayers and visits.

Betty will be remembered for being a loving, caring lady filled with compassion and kindness. Her contagious smile is etched in the hearts of all who loved and cherished her. She will be truly missed. 



Quick Gallery
Betty, Debbie & Jason at Deception Pass 2012 Betty, Debbie & Thomas 2012 Belated Birthday with Debbie, Jason & Thomas Betty 2012 Betty, granddaughters Christine & Jennifer and great-grandchildren Betty & Dave with the Pastor after wedding ceremony Betty's friend, Betty, Dave and stepson Dan after ceremony Signing the marriage certificate Holding hands as husband and wife It's Official Dave & Betty at Kayla's wedding Dave & Betty at Kayla's wedding
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