Betty Jane Hart Hart Pliska

Betty Jane Pliska, a resident of Portland, Oregon, died on April 6, 2011 in Portland. She was 86 years of age.

Betty was born on November 13, 1924 in Philomath, Oregon and was the daughter of Silas and Edna (Harmon) Hart. She lived on a small farm about 6 miles west of Philomath and was the youngest of 7 children. At age 6, she showed an interest in music and at age 10 she learned how to play the piano. She played for school and church activities and was also very active in drama. In 1941, she moved to a farm near Jefferson where she attended her senior year and graduated Salutatorian. In 1942, she went to work in Salem for the Oregon Unemployment Commission and did various jobs such as office work, switchboard and mail room.

On April 13, 1943, Betty took a train to Virginia where she met up with her high school sweetheart, George Pliska, who was serving in the Navy. They were married on April 13, 1943 at St. Bedes Rectory in Williamsburg, Virginia and honeymooned in New York City and Washington DC.

They moved to the West Coast where they were stationed at Camp Parks near Hayward, California. She worked in a lemon plant sorting lemons until her husband was shipped out to the South Pacific. Betty returned to Oregon to be closer to her family.

She resided in Salem and worked in two optometrist’s offices and attended Capital Business College at night in Salem. Betty and George moved to Portland in 1945 and later to Waldport in 1951. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Church and an active member the Alter Society. She also played to the organ and piano for mass, weddings and funerals. She returned to Portland in 1965 and later to Gresham in 1980 where she became a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church.

She had many hobbies including, camping and boating and traveling the world with her husband, George. They also wintered in Southern California and Yuma, Arizona and enjoyed taking and sharing photos of their travels with family and friends.

Betty is survived by her sons, Gary Pliska of Bend, Larry Pliska of Portland, Tim Pliska of Portland, Randy Pliska of Portland, Bill Pliska of Oregon City and John Pliska of Kirkland, WA and sister, Margaret Kruger of Alaska along with 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Her husband George preceded her in death.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Portland. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery. Contributions may be made in memory of Betty to the American Cancer Society. Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.