Betty Hanson, 92

We lost our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and Child of God on October 13, 2013.

Betty Hanson was born to Amos and Ruth Leaton on Dec. 3, 1920. She had an idyllic childhood in Challis, Idaho. Betty then ventured out into the big world to the University of Idaho, where she said the best thing she did there was to meet her future husband, Ivan. They spent all of their 60 years of married life together in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Betty and Ivan had a wonderful circle of cherished friends with whom they celebrated, danced, dined, laughed and played cards. Betty started teaching in 1962, and returned to school to finish her degree. She traveled to Whitworth College in Spokane and worked hard on her classes - all the while teaching and raising a family. Ivan and Betty attended numerous lumber conferences in San Francisco, Atlanta, and Orlando, and she regaled us with her Lucy-like escapades on the trips.

Betty tackled teaching much like all the other aspects of her life - with force and personality. She retired with distinction after twenty two years. Betty took care of Ivan in his dementia for four years until she was no longer able.

Betty was one who never knew a stranger. She made friends with everyone that she came in contact with. She would always tell everyone about her family. She couldn't have loved us more, and we couldn't have loved her more. She was intensely proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Coeur d'Alene for sixty years. Betty had many, many lifelong dear friends to whom we know she would send her love.

Betty moved to Boise in 2009 and lived at the Cottages, near two of her daughters. She loved attending King of Glory Lutheran church, and made fast friends with many of the members there.

Betty had a love of all nature, animals, and vistas. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit. One of her granddaughters said she had the best sense of humor of all of us. She had keen powers of perception and a razor sharp memory until the very end. Betty will be missed, but leaves us a legacy that encourages us to live positively, love our family and especially God, and to love nice clothes. We are most certain that she will be raised up on eagle's wings to regale others with stories of her family, her life, and her love of God.

During her last days, Betty pointed with her finger to direct us or to show us her love. She often used that finger during her life as well, to indicate love, to encourage or to direct us. She composed the following a few years before her death:

Thank you God,

I have had a wonderful life with many blessings. If it all ended today, I'd be happy. I have had a wonderful journey. Thank you, Thank you.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ivan, and sons-in-law, Mike Underwood and Cliff Starry. She is survived by many who loved her: Karen Starry, Mary Ann Underwood, Sally Husted (Jim), and Jim Hanson (Karen); 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and many beloved friends and family in Challis, Coeur d'Alene, Boise, and wherever Betty went.

We would like to express our gratitude to many who cared for her. Betty would profusely thank her friends and the workers of the Cottages, the medical staff at St. Luke's, Elk's Rehab, and the Marquis staff who treated her with such care at the end of her life. Betty would especially like to thank Marlys, Mary and Trudi, along with the other caring staff at Hearts of Hospice.

We know she is in heaven with her Lord, her family and her friends. A week before her death, her beloved Pastor Kari was praying. When Pastor stated that death has no dominion over us, she raised up and said, "Ha! Ha!" laughing at death. She will be with us, and she will be looking over us. We love you, Mom.

The memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2014, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. A reception will follow the service at the church. Urn committal will be at Forest Cemetery. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene, is in care of the arrangements. You may visit Betty's online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com