Elizabeth Ann “Bette” Hilt, 91, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at the United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley.

She was born on February 23, 1920 in Ashland, Nebraska, the daughter of harry & Ethel (Carey) Vandeman.

In 1925 the family moved to Burlington where Bette was raised and attended school, graduating from Burlington-Edison High School with the class of 1938.  After high school she moved to Seattle where she worked as a waitress and then in 1942 began working for Boeing, first in blueprinting and then in finance where she worked for several years.

On February 19, 1944 she was united in marriage to Raymond Hilt in Seattle and they made their home in downtown Seattle until moving to the Magnolia area in 1950.

In 1958 she began working as a clerk at Meredith’s five & dime store where she worked off and on for over 25 years.  In 2004 Bette & Ray moved to Sedro-Woolley to be near family.

She was a member of the Elks Club in Ballard and Mount Vernon and the Sedro-Woolley Eagles.  Her leisure time was spent gardening, reading and traveling.

Bette is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ray and her son, Greg of Sedro-Woolley and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers and two sisters.

A Graveside Inurnment Service will be held at the Burlington Cemetery on Friday, March 25, 2011 at 11:00 AM.

Services and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.  Share memories of Bette and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com