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Bettye Dean Boggs, 84

Bettye Dean Boggs, 84, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Sept. 30, 2017. Bettye was born on Feb. 24, 1933, in Crockett County, Tenn., to the late Vernon E. and Ludie Dean (Laws) Banks.

Bettye attended Lambuth College in Jackson, Tenn. It was there she met her love, Lawrence Richard Boggs, son of the late Dennis and Lela Mae (Calhoun) Boggs and the father of her six children. Bettye and Larry married in Milan, Tenn., on June 1, 1952. They moved to Gordonsville, Va. to start a lifetime of service to the Church. Larry served as a Pastor and Bettye served her children. Bettye was also devoted to her students as she started her career as teacher at Eagle Creek High School.

As Bettye’s family continued to grow, her professional career also developed. She was admired as she took on the demanding role as a Computer Technical Writer and Editor for McGraw Hill. Corporate America continued to call upon her talents as companies such as Boeing and American Express competed for her employment.

After the death of her husband, Larry, Bettye married Gene Sorensen in 1971 at the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. Together they continued to care for Bettye’s children and in 1974 they moved to Seattle, Wash. Then they moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1978. As a member of the Central United Methodist Church in downtown Phoenix, she sang in the choir and traveled worldwide performing in beautiful cathedrals.

Bettye retired and moved to North Idaho in 1991. She became an active member of Community United Methodist Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She held the office of President of the United Methodist Women Pacific Northwest District. And she was assigned as a Certified Lay Minister. She was then appointed the role of Pastor at the Rathdrum United Methodist Church. This was the role and position that made her most proud of any position she ever held, with the exception of her role as a Mother and GrandMommy.

Bettye’s life revolved around her six children, 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her legacy lives on in their hearts, aspirations, and the love she installed in them. She led her family with a sweet and simple demeanor, which demanded respect. Her signature gift to them was taught through her real zest for life.

Possessing a true servant’s heart, Bettye was a woman of faith. Bettye shaped people spirituality with her tireless Christian example. She followed God’s commandments as suggested in Joshua 1:9, “Be Strong and Courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Bettye is preceded in death by her parents, brother James Banks and husband Larry. She is survived by her sister, Jackie Sales of Amherst, Va.; children Denise Boggs, Lawrence Richard Boggs Jr. (JoAnn), Michael Boggs, Susan Clegg (Ron), Anne Easterly (Randy) and Jennifer Warrington; son-in-law Dan Easterly; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends who loved her dearly.

To celebrate her life, please join family and friends at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, for a graveside service at Pleasant View Cemetery, 1298 S. Gold Finch Road, Post Falls, Idaho. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. at Community United Methodist Church, 1470 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Fellowship will follow. Potluck dishes appreciated.

Flowers can be delivered to the church or in lieu of flowers, the family is requesting gifts to support a headstone memorial: Anne Easterly C/O Bell Tower Funeral Home, 3398 E. Jenalan Ave., Post Falls, ID 83854.