Betty Jean Stewart, 96

Betty Jean Stewart, 96, passed away peacefully May 24, 2024, with her family by her bedside.

Betty was born Jan. 29, 1928, in Buxton, N.D., to her parents, Olaus and Selma Renslen. She grew up with three brothers and a sister on their family farm. They all attended a one-room schoolhouse and traveled to and from school in a horse-drawn wagon. 

At age 18, Betty met Jim Stewart at a local dance, and not long after, they married in 1947. After having two children, Rebecca (Becky) and Marty, Betty and Jim decided to move away from the cold of North Dakota to the warmer climate of California. They settled in the San Fernando Valley, where they added two more children, Kim and David. Betty worked for several different banks but retired from the local newspaper. Betty also loved to sing. She joined the local Sweet Adelines, where she traveled and competed for many years. After all the children moved out, Betty learned to golf so she could play alongside her husband, Jim.

In 1990, Betty and Jim bought a home on the Avondale Golf Course. They became members, and the Avondale community became an important part of their lives. Betty played golf on Tuesdays with the Nine Hole Ladies until she was 85, then went on to play cards with her friends on Fridays, always ending with a glass of wine.

Betty and Jim celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1997 with a large family reunion held at their home. Sadly, Jim passed away shortly after their anniversary. 

Betty’s daughter Kim preceded her in death in 1996 after a long illness. The surviving family members are Becky and John Rich from Sebastopol, Calif.; Marty and Bill Heinz from Hayden, Idaho; David Stewart from Hayden, Idaho; grandchildren Cody Rich and MacKenzie Hale; two great-grandchildren, Olive Grace Rich and Charlie Danger Rich; and many nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel (373 E. Hayden Ave. Hayden, ID 83835). Please visit Betty’s memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.