Betty Anne Bolton, 84, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2011.
She was born to Elmer and Jane (Ashby) Bolton on October 5, 1926 in Carson, Iowa.
She traveled to the Skagit Valley on a vacation in the early 1950’s and fell in love with the country side, the Skagit Valley, and being part of the Sedro-Woolley community.
Although Betty graduated from business college she wasn’t happy with the prospects of a secretarial career. Having grown up on a farm and having worked with heavy farm equipment she was “mechanically minded”. World War II brought greater opportunities for women to work in unconventional areas and in 1946 Betty took a job grinding lenses in a small business manufacturing telescopes. Being a “grinder” brought her the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship as a tool and cutter grinder. She came to Sedro-Woolley in 1954 and went to work for Skagit Steel. She completed her apprenticeship and moved from the secretarial office to the machine shop at Skagit Steel (Bendix Corporation) in less than 6 months. Completing her apprenticeship, another aspect of her training began and she became a machinist at Bendix. After 19 years of work she remained the only skilled female worker in production and went on to become director of the tool room until her retirement in 1988.
Betty was active in the community and loved being a member of the Wild Women of Woolley. She enjoyed putting on shows for the community to benefit hospice. For many years she participated in pool and bowling leagues and was an active member of the Eagles, the American Legion Auxiliary and Eastern Star. Betty loved fishing, hunting and camping in the Cascades.
She will be remembered always for her hard working tenacity, her joy of life in the Skagit Valley, and love of Sedro-Woolley and her family of friends.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer (EK) and Jane Bolton; sisters, Margaret Stadsvold, Gladys Krogh, and Dorothy Conn; brothers, Charles and John Bolton and niece Nancy Bolton.
She is survived by her sister, Grace Bolton and her brother George Bolton, both of Carlsbad, CA; nieces, Maggie Amber of Anacortes and Kathryn Stadsvold of Blaine; nephews, Wayne, Steve, and Charles Krogh of Los Angeles, CA, Carl Bolton of Rough and Ready, CA, and Dale Conn of Homer, AK.
Memorial Services will be held on Friday, March 18, 2011 at 1:00 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Marilyn Kallshian of the Central United Methodist Church officiating. Inurnment will be at the Saxon Cemetery at a later date. Share memories of Betty and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com
I met Betty in 1971 when I moved to Sedro Woolley. I worked part time at the Castle Tavern and often spent the weekend dancing the nights away. Betty would come in after a long day of work and relax over a beer mmediately greeted by friends. She was a very valued customer and close friends with Clark and Buleah, the owners. Betty was a great gal and I admired her courage, strength and her inner peace with life. She has paved the way for other women to work in a field which was made for men. She totally enjoyed being a part of the Wild Women of Woolley. She is such a positive role model to us all of a true lover and giver in her community.
I knew Betty in my younger years. She always had a kind word and greeting when I saw her and was always supportive with interest and compliments. As a child she always made me feel like I had an important part in this world. Thank you Betty you made a big difference in many lives I am sure. You will be missed.
I worked with Betty at Skagit Steel. She was a great worker and latter became a good friend. Sedro Woolley has lost an icon, a truly unique lady.
I met Betty through the Skagit Women’s Pool league, when she played for the Sedro Woolley Legion. What a special lady she was! Truly a unique person who had such a full life. She will be missed.
I knew Betty at Creekside when she was a resident. I would visit with her when I had a chance or just drop into say hi. She was a kind person & always had a smile on her face.
She is missed at work.
Sincerely- Joanie Nagatani
I have had the priveledge of being Betty,s next door neighbor for the last 10 years.
I am honored to have had the opportunity to get to know and visit with such an amazing woman. What a kind and giving person. Not only has she touched my life forever, but I am sure countless others. Her physical presence is missed greatly. And enjoy her in the songs of the birds she so loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who she loved and those who loved her.
I worked, fished, hunted,camped, bowled, and ocationally partyed with Betty she is the best friend a person could ever have. You will never be fogotten by me or my family Les Fitzgerald
I knew Betty for a short time. She was always such a sweetheart!!! She never complained about anything…She always enjoyed it when I would go out and smoke a cigarette with her and talk about the weather…She is greatly missed and will always be in my heart. May you rest in peace My Dear Friend: Betty Bolton. My sympathies go out to the family.
Betty was a good freind. She will be missed in the community and area around Sedro-Woolley.
I was born in Sedro-Woolley 52 years ago. I remember Betty. She was such a part of what Sedro-Woolley was to me and someone I’ve remembered over the years because of that. My sincere sympathies go to her family.