Betty Mae Winter

Betty Mae Winter was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 4, 1928 to Dee L. Ellis and Henrietta H. (Sander) Ellis. She and her elder sister, Derry Ann, spent their childhood years in sunny southern California, their teen years in Panama, and their adult years in the Pacific Northwest.

While at the University of Washington, Betty joined the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and remained an active member over the years, participating as an advisor as her nieces later joined Zeta.

While attending the university, Betty met John Denis Winter, whom she married. They had two sons, Alan and Robert. Widowed while her sons were young, she raised her two boys while working as a bookkeeper/accountant.

With close friendships, Betty found creative outlets such as china painting and traveling the U.S. She loved living in West Seattle and cherished her home there. Gardening, growing vegetables, and making Christmas candy were her specialties.

During her last couple of years, she resided at Regency Care Center in Monroe, close to her nieces who were privileged to spend time with her there. Her family thanks the caring staff of Regency for their kindness and dedication to Betty in her final months.

Betty is survived by her son, Alan D. Winter. She was greatly loved and is sorely missed by all who knew her.

Because of the current situation with Coronavirus, a memorial gathering will be delayed. But please don't hesitate to extend your thoughts and pass on your fond memories to her family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in Betty's memory.

A Tribute to my Mother, Betty Winter

From her son, Al

June 2020

Mom always had a strong will and worked hard at achieving her goals. She used her strength and many skills in maintaining her home, yard, gardens, and creative hobbies. Her artistic talent showed from her early teenage drawings, to china painting and her gardening. She was a loyal and serving friend to many. She celebrated many occasions with family and friends with phone calls, gifts, and cards. She made some of her gifts of food, candy, and china arts.

Mom was very resilient and quick to recover from difficulties. She was careful to maintain her health and use of doctors. She knew I was the last of our family and wondered how I would get along after she departed. I was inspired by her examples of energy and enthusiasm for life and wish she was still in my life. We shared many years, homes, and losses (my dad and my brother, and others)...but she always had me.

She made new friends at Regency Care Center and her relatives were also nearby who visited and called frequently.

I will always miss those encouraging and motivating discussions we frequently had on the phone when she was at Regency Care and Brookdale retirement home. She liked giving advice and showing love and interest. I will also miss the appreciation she expressed for me and my taking care of her home, yard, car, and my phone calls to her. She will be in my thoughts and heart every day.