Betty Jean (Syverson) Monteith, age 61, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends on December 27, 2019 after a long, courageous and hard fought battle with cancer. Our spoiler of children, our wonderful and unmatched baker of pies, our biggest fan, our shoulder to cry on is finally at peace and free to fly.
Betty was born on January 21, 1958 in Sedro-Woolley, WA to Wesley and Myrtle Syverson. She was raised with her 5 sisters, graduating from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1976.
Betty married Bill Ensley in 1977, instantly gaining a 5-year-old son named Gale. They welcomed their son Shawn and their show stopper daughter Heather in 1978 and 1982 respectively.
Betty was a dedicated, energetic and loving mother who always chose work that fit with the kids’ schedule; she was committed to putting their needs first. Eventually, she took a job in food service at Acme Elementary School, where she happily worked with children for 30 years and made many friends.
Betty was united in a second marriage to Keith Monteith in 2004 and gained three more children, Ashley, Brandon and Tyler, who grew to love Betty. She and Keith built a home together in Acme on property that she cherished.
Betty’s favorite pastimes were long, long “walks” (grueling hikes) and traveling with her sisters. She loved homemaking, gardening and enjoying the beautiful view from her home. Betty was famous for her pies, her smile and her quick wit. The place she was happiest was with her grandchildren. She kept herself busy keeping up with and attending all of her grandchildren’s activities. Once you were in Betty’s heart, she never let you go. She loved selflessly, wholeheartedly and unconditionally.
She is survived by her husband Keith; son, Shawn (Stacie) Ensley; daughter, Heather Ensley (Art Rodriguez); step-children, Gale (Natalie) Ensley, Ashley Monteith, Brandon (Sofiya) Monteith and Tyler Monteith; her mother, Myrtle Syverson; sisters, Ione (Richard) Bosch, Peni (Gary) Ramsey, Evelyn Syverson (Tim Post), Fay (Tim) White and Vicki (Charlo) Lederle; 9 grandchildren; 1 great- grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Wesley Syverson.
The family would like to thank the staff from Whatcom Hospice, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and especially Dr. Montgomery for everything that was done to extend Betty’s quality of life. They would also like to thank her longtime special friend, Norma Hyland, who spent many days with Betty doing whatever “the queen” wanted, as well as helping to care for her with other family members the last few months of her life. Contributions in Betty’s honor can be made to The Whatcom Hospice Foundation.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Lemley Chapel in Sedro- Woolley with a reception to follow at the Sedro-Woolley Eagles.
Keith and family. I’m so sorry to hear of Bettys passing. She was a great lady! Who was always happy and smiling. I’ll always remember her for her outgoing attitude and always a person to talk to. May you be comforted by God during this difficult time and know that she is no longer in pain and in Heaven with Jesus. Big Hugs to all from the little girl who lived down the road. 🤗🙏🏼 We’ll be praying for you.
I met Betty before Heather was born, or even thought of. We became instant friends, raising our children side by side for a number of years. We shared meals, vacations, childcare, preschool times, and a wonderful friendship.
I had no idea so many years ago that we would remain close friends, sharing fun as well as some difficult times. We were able to have long periods of not seeing one another and then just pick up the friendship where it had been left.
I have always trusted Betty with my innermost secrets, hopes and dreams. She honored me with that same trust.
In the last year we had many opportunities to have intimate talks, always filled with love and support for one another. I count Betty as an honorary sister and have immense gratitude that she continued to share her family times with me. A friend like Betty gives, even when she is the one in need. She constantly asks how my children and i are doing and always showed the same love and affection for my grandsons and for my kids.
If there’s one of Betty’s qualities in life I would like to strive for it, would be to be as accepting of others as she always was.
Betty asked me in the last month of her life to write some things down that she wanted people to know about her. It turned out to be only one thing. This was that she wanted everyone to know that she was extremely private about her thoughts but that she considered herself to be a spiritual person. That was just so Betty. Simple, honest, truthful.
She let go of this earthly life in a graceful way, making sure others were ok with her leaving. Including everyone she loved.
I can see that smile when I think of her. I love the memories i have and will always share Betty stories. Thank you Myrtle for giving us Betty.
Betty was an incredible person, always had a smile on her face. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.
Rest In Peace.
Haven’t seen Betty in years, but she always had a smile for everyone she seen. Hugs to her family at this difficult time. Enjoy your wings, bake those wonderful pies.
Lee & Joyce Holland
We are so very Blessed and Greatful to have been able to have met Betty and Keith.Wonderful Friends in our life.Betty was so unselfish,Put others ahead of herself,even when she was going through pain.Always had a smile on her face.We will always remember her.She will be in our Hearts forever.She helped us and we couldn’t help her,Sad.She had a Heart of Gold,Always willing to Help.She will be missed.Prayers to Keith and their Family.God Bless you all as you go through this Sad time of Mourning.We or there for you at anytime.
I did not have the opportunity to know Betty for a very long time but in the limited time I spent with her at the Mount Baker School District she was such a kind and sweet lady. I am so sorry to hear of her passing and send my heartfelt condolences to her family. I sincerely hope she is at peace and know that the community has lost a great lady..
Lawson and I are saddened… knowing Betty as a co-worker and neighbor- she was fun, hardworking, and yes, had quick wit that was wonderful. She is missed…
We extend to you our sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck and Ellen Michele (sister of Richard Bosch)
Thank you for your beautiful smile and treating my son like your very own grandchild.
R.I.L