Betty Jean Slenker

Betty was born Thursday, January 4, 1923 in Lewiston, ID to Carl and Agnes (Sartain) Mattoon. She was the middle child of three children. Her childhood was spent with many relatives. During this time of her life, she had many experiences from cooking breakfast at her Grandmother’s boarding house to picking apples in the orchards of Oregon and Washington.

In 1938, she met the love of her life, Wayne Lincoln Slenker. They married on May 23, 1939 in Lewiston, ID and she began her work as a homemaker and mother. In 1953, the family moved to Othello, WA.

Betty enjoyed sewing, stenciling, embroidery, crocheting and making appliqués. She made all sorts of fancy clothes for her children - including matching dresses for her daughters and a short pants suit for her young son complete with stenciled shirt. She also created dolls and sold stuffed animals. She loved dancing and taught her children the Charleston, ballroom and tap dance. Betty’s other passions were gardening, canning and bowling.

Betty was always a hard worker at home and in the workplace. She was a barber and beautician, seamstress, Woolworth’s clerk, laundress and even worked for several potato-shed companies. One of the most inspiring things she did was to build a bedroom on to the house for her son - by herself! She was a strong role model with her creativity, energy and confidence.

Betty loved family and cooking, especially for those making the trip between the Washington coast and Idaho. Her family’s favorites were hot tacos and cranberry chicken! She also loved all family activities. On a Montana camping trip with Uncle Mac McDonald & the Morgan family, she cooked 109 fish for breakfast. She was passionate about crosswords, cards and was a game show whiz.

Betty was the center of family events and was a mentor to many. In her 70’s she had the physical strength to demonstrate her cartwheel skills teaching her grandchildren fun and stamina. She was the favorite Aunt on both sides of the family. She is missed but her lessons and comfort live on in many!

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, sister (Vivian Mattoon McDonald), brother (Kenneth Mattoon) and husband, as well as one grandchild (Kirk Graff) and one great-grandchild (Frankie Corral). She is survived by three children, daughters Barbara Schoeneman (Joe Abdo) of Seattle as well as Sandra Graff (Dick Graff) and Wayne Slenker, Jr. (Pam Wilson), both of Othello, five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great great-grandson.

A final visitation will be held at Stevens Funeral Chapel on October 4, 2014 at 9:00 AM and ending at 11:00 AM. Betty will be transferred to Bess Hampton Memorial Park for internment with her beloved husband. Following graveside service there will be a potluck at the Slenker's. To leave a note for the family, you are invited to visit stevensfuneralchapel.com.