Betty Laverne Howard-Fehrer

Betty LaVerne Howard-Fehrer, 94, of Yakima, Washington, passed away on February 13, 2024. She was born on August 28, 1929, in Wenatchee, Washington, to the late Harry Warehime and Alice Wheeler. Betty was preceded in death by her younger brother, Merle Warehime and her beloved husband, Paul Fehrer, who she had been married to for over 40 years.

Betty spent the majority of her youth on a working ranch in the Methow Valley in Washington. In the early 1940s, when Betty was twelve years old, her family moved to Seattle, Washington where she attended Junior High and High School. In the 1950s, Betty’s adventurous side took her to San Francisco, California, where she lived and worked for many years. Betty moved to Yakima, Washington for the first time in the 1960s to help her father with his business endeavors but returned to San Francisco within a few years. During the late 1970s, Betty returned to Yakima, WA where she ultimately met and married Paul Fehrer and spent the remainder of her life.

Betty was a woman of many talents and accomplishments. It was Betty's initial investment and encouragement that helped her co-found United Sales (formerly Yakima Quality Welding) with Paul on their property in 1985. Over the decades that followed they grew their business into a multi-million-dollar metal fabrication shop serving the fruit, aerospace, and manufacturing industries primarily in the Pacific Northwest. Prior to co-owning United Sales, Betty worked as a realtor and a dental assistant, leaving a lasting impact in her professional endeavors.

In her free time, Betty enjoyed traveling the world alongside her husband, Paul. They cherished their adventures and created countless memories together. She also found joy in shopping, dining out, and visiting the casino with her friends and family, which created moments filled with laughter and excitement. During her life, Betty studied Catholicism and had a personal relationship with God. She found comfort and solace in her faith. Betty held a particular affinity to St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron Saint of hope and impossible causes. Much like her favorite Saint, Betty provided optimism, encouragement, hope, and support for those she held dear.

Betty will be deeply missed by her four children; Mike Vendetti, Jeff Howard, Lisa Knutson, and Nate Howard, and her four grandchildren; Michel Ann Vendetti, Melanie Foit, Jeff Knutson, and Kaci Howard. She leaves behind cherished memories and a legacy of love and strength.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Keith & Keith in Yakima, Washington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization that was very close to her heart.

The family appreciates all the support and condolences during this difficult time. May Betty rest in eternal peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of life for Betty will be held Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902.