Betty Jane Nye

Betty Jane Westfall Nye, 87, passed away August 20th, at her daughter’s home in Twin Falls of natural causes. She was born January 6th, 1929 to James Stanley and Sarah Francis Hall Westfall on the family farm in Falls City, Jerome County, Idaho.

She was the 9th of 10 children, and attended the Falls City School through the 8th grade. She graduated from Jerome High School and attended the Twin Falls Business College.

Betty married her beloved husband George on May 14, 1949 on the family homestead. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple June 10th, 1960. Together they raised five children: Deborah (David) Butler of Twin Falls, George (Karmelle) Nye of Buhl, David (Jeni) Nye of Mesa AZ, Kathy (Mike) Tew of Idaho Falls, and John (Shelli) Nye of Meridian.

Betty was a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many capacities during her lifetime: Librarian, Nursery Leader, Primary Teacher, Visiting Teacher, Cub Scout Leader, Relief Society Secretary and Boise Temple Worker.

In 1960 Betty and her husband purchased a farm north of Eden from her brother. Together they learned to become successful farmers and cattle ranchers. She was a hard-worker and a great cook. Family members and friends who visited could always be assured of a good home-cooked meal. She loved visiting and spending time with her family and grandchildren. She loved holding new babies and they were always calm in her arms.

Betty and her husband George traveled to many places around the country. They loved history and sightseeing. Their favorite place to visit was Disneyland and many family vacations were spent there. Betty developed a love for watching the Utah Jazz play basketball. Her family took her to several games over the years where she met Thurl Bailey and other players. George and Betty loved to walk at the mall every day and to visit with friends while doing so.

Betty’s family will remember the great sacrifices she made to attend special events, even when she was very sick. In July she attended a grandson’s wedding in Arizona and was hospitalized the day of her return. All of her children and many of her grandchildren gathered at the wedding and were able to express their love for her. Less than two weeks ago she was part of another family gathering in Twin Falls where many of her children and grandchildren were present.

Betty’s daughters were integral in her care over the past 20 years. The past five years she has lived with and been cared for by them in their homes. This expression of love for her was a very sweet experience for them and their families.

Her husband preceded her in death November 12, 1998 in a car accident returning home from working in the Boise LDS temple. A great-grandson Alexzander Day preceded her as well. She is survived by her sister Mary Burner (Twin Falls), her five children, 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Encompass Hospice for their help throughout the last month of her life. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of White Mortuary “Chapel by the Park” of Twin Falls. Services will be held on Saturday, August 27th at 2:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 667 Harrison Street, Twin Falls, ID. Friends may call from 12:45pm to 1:45pm preceding the service with interment to follow at the Twin Falls Cemetery.