Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Marie (Gilbert) Fagan, 83, a former Skagit Valley resident, passed away on February 19, 2019 in Tumwater, WA.
Betty was born on March 24, 1935 to Harry Floyd and Helen Marie (Ruch) Harrison in Alden, Kansas. She was raised and attended school there, graduating from Alden High School with the class of 1953. She then went off to college to become a typist and met her future husband, Lonnie Gilbert at a church event. They were married on January 30, 1955.
Lonnie & Betty made their home in Guam, Florida and Kansas for short periods, then in the late 1950’s they settled in the Skagit Valley residing near Bow where raised their family.
Lonnie passed away in 1986; in 1991 Betty married Bill Fagan and they made their home in Burlington and then in Lacey, WA. Bill passed away in 2009.
Betty was a devoted wife and mother, occasionally sold Avon products, and was the Queen of peanut butter balls and fried chicken, and made the best sugar free apple pie Ever! She was an avid Burlington-Edison High School football fan, attending every game for years and loved her Seattle Seahawks and Washington Huskies. She was always telling you how pretty you looked, always ready for an adventure and loved sweet wine. Everyone will miss this beautiful class act of a lady and her wonderful smile every day.
Betty passed away at the Abundant Life AFH where she had wonderful and loving caregivers, Leway, Ena and Irean. A heart felt thank you is extended to them for being a blessing in her life.
Betty is survived by her children and their spouses, Mike & Darlene Gilbert, Randy Gilbert, Bob & Penny Gilbert and Sandra & Ted Hanby; grandchildren, Chad and Nick Gilbert and Taylor Hanby; her siblings, Beverly Morgan & Joyce Braun, step-siblings, Davona Duncan and Dennis, Donnie and Kenny Makin; several step-children, step-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded by her mother and step-father, Helen & Bruce Makin; father and step-mother, Harry & Thelma Harrison and her son, Curtis Gilbert.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Billy Farrar of Grace Church in Mount Vernon officiating. Interment will follow at the Bow Cemetery. The family invites you to join them for a time of refreshments and fellowship at the Eagles in Burlington from 3:00pm -5:00pm.
Growing up I was the youngest of us three girls, and Betty never wanted to make mud pies with me. Then she made good pies after her family started. She worked making milkshakes & sodas in a drug store for awhile. Football was her favorite, she was football Queen in her senior year. During our younger years our grandma made us dresses, same fabric only different styles, cute. After mother remarried our family gained 3 brothers & 1 sister. Good memories over the years, I will miss her a lot.
Your mom was such a sweet lady. I remember She was so very patient with us loud and obnoxious teenagers.
I’m sorry to the whole family for your loss. May God grant you peace. What a blessing to knowing she is resting in the arms of her savior.
I will always remember Aunt Betty for her loving hugs and friendly smile. I was glad to reconnect with her on Face Book in these last years. She lived life well. My prayers go out to her family as it is never easy to lose a loved one. Rest Easy Aunt Betty. Love to you all. Rita & Jerrel Duty
Though it has been years since we have seen Betty we will always remember her sweet quiet spirit. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry for your families loss… Your mom was the sweetest person… Always had a smile… Prayers of comfort are being sent your way… Remember all the good times…❤️