Ruth Ann Betty Betty Mares Knaebel

Ruth Ann Mares was born on August 23, 1936 in Helena, Montana to Carl and Mabel (Lorenz) Mares. She was the youngest of five children. From early on her siblings nicknamed her Betty Boop, and from that time on she was known as Betty.

Growing up Betty had a love for the outdoors where you could always find her riding her horse, caring for her pets, or fishing.

She adored her family.

Betty had a wonderful sense of humor and, together with her older brother Raymond, enjoyed playing practical jokes on each other and the family.

Eventually Betty began to work for Mtn. State Telephone and Telegraph Co. in Helena.

After a prior marriage, Betty met Alan Knaebel in 1960. They soon were married and with their blended family of 6 moved to Oregon. There they had a 7th child. Life kept them very busy taking care of the family. They enjoyed many years attending dog shows and earning trophies for obedience training. They loved country music and had many friends of all ages.

As life went on, they bought a vacation home in Depoe Bay on the Oregon Coast. They made many wonderful memories there with their children and grandchildren. She planned camping trips and vacations back to Montana and became the owner of 3 more horses. Snippy, Lady and Twister.

Betty welcomed her son in laws and daughter in laws and grandchildren too. She was always ready and willing to help with the marriages and help with the grandchildren. Later in life she began knitting, macramae, crocheting and tending to her backyard enjoying roses and other flowers. She enjoyed collecting dolls and glassware and spending time with her family.

In 2006 Alan who had been her husband of 46 years, became ill and after an extended illness passed away. After that her health took a downward turn but Betty never complained. She never questioned why me? She loved her Heavenly Father and she knew He had a place for her in Heaven. Although she prayed privately she was always quick to point out to you, if you didn’t pray before a meal. She never wanted to quit the fight. Her courage, her strength and her love will be forever burned in our hearts.

Betty passed away suddenly on February 4th at her home in Happy Valley. She is survived by her children Pam, Connie, David, Alana, Debbie, Wanda and Lorrie, and a daughter in law Donna, son in laws; Roy, Ken, Fred and John; 13 grandchildren, lesa, Korey, Jessica, Dustin, Darci, Denise, Joshua, Daniel, Paige, Nathan, Michael, Joseph, Jacob, Jared, Jesse and Joe and 9 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Mabel and 3 nephews Randy, Russ and Robin. She was preceeded in death by husband Alan, grandson Tyson and great grandson Caleb. A time of public visitation will be held Wed, Feb 16, 10a – 4p at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 11801 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, followed by a funeral service on Thursday, Feb 17 at 2pm.

In memory of Betty, the family suggests donations to Whispering Winds Ranch (horse rescue) 6161 Clarks Branch Road, Roseburg, OR 97470.