Betty Ellen McConnell

8-30-1926 to 10-3-2018

Mom was born in Lynden, Washington, on August 30, 1926, to Alberta and Wilford Prouty, the second of five children. While in grade school, she worked in her father's Ferndale Creamery, wrapping butter in the morning with her siblings before heading off to class. In the middle of her senior year of high school, the family relocated to Colfax, where she graduated, met her husband, Charles Lee "Chuck" McConnell, and had their three children: Jim (June), now living in Vancouver, WA, Vickie (Roy), of Spokane, and Scott (Noreen), of Spokane. Mom was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 15 great- grandchildren.

One of Mom's favorite memories from Colfax was the day World War II ended in September of 1945. Dissatisfied with the town's slow response, Betty and her sisters insisted their dad move the jukebox from the soda fountain of his Colfax Dairy into Main Street so the townspeople could revel in a street dance celebration. Dancing was one of mom's greatest joys, an interest that lasted throughout her life.

In 1955, the family moved to Spokane, where Dad had a managerial position. Mom was a loving homemaker, a wonderful cook, and a patient listener. Our family was immensely fortunate to have her always there.

With the family raised, Mom went to work with School District 81 as a food service employee, first at Ferris, then Grant Elementary. In 1993 she retired after 21 years of faithful service.

Mom was gifted at crochet, an amazing seamstress, and prolific quilt maker. She was one of the charter members and longtime attendee of the 00Q Quilt Club. In her later years she produced dozens and dozens of quilted potholders, which she enjoyed giving away to friends and family.

Mom and Dad had the wonderful opportunity in their latter years to travel to Florida and Hawaii together, and Alaska and Canada with Vickie and Roy.

In 2010, a few months before Mom and Dad's 60th wedding anniversary, Dad passed into eternity.

She was a longtime member of the Central Baptist Church and developed many friendships there.

Mom loved people deeply, and was kind, accepting, and giving. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Betty's McConnell's celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, November 10th, at Park Heights Baptist Church, 5101 South Freya St., in Spokane. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Betty's life may be made to: the American Baptists Women's Ministries @ http://www.abwomensministries.org, and/or to My Father's House of Prayer @ http://www.myfathershousespokane.org.