Betty Bell

Betty Jane Bell got her heavenly wings on April 4, 2022.  Betty was born on March 16, 1930, to Joseph Barton, Sr., and Frances (Venneri) Barton in Spokane, WA.  Betty was the middle child with three beloved, rambunctious brothers and one amazing, loving sister. Her dedication to her family started there.

Betty attended John Rogers High School where she met her husband, John (Jack) Bell, Sr. Soon after they were married, the young couple proudly bought a house in Hillyard where they raised their five children and lived together for over 60 years.  While the house in Hillyard served as a hub of activity for decades, it paled when compared to everyone’s favorite place on Sacheen Lake, where Betty and Jack bought a lot in 1957.  The cabin they ultimately built was, without a doubt, Betty’s favorite place on earth and provided everlasting memories for over half a century for family and friends who benefited from Betty’s hospitality. Betty was a very involved mom who put her husband and kids’ needs and desires first—not as a sacrifice—but because that’s where she got her joy.  She was also a devoted grandma and always had an open door, arms and refrigerator for grandkids, nieces and nephews—several of whom credit her for helping them grow up, and into, the adults they became.  She was a role-model of love, kindess, understanding and non-judgement for virtually everyone she met.

Betty was always up for an adventure and was a willing participant with her husband, kids and grandkids.  A trip to Europe, salmon fishing in multiple locations, gambling in Reno, rides in Disneyland, many country music concerts, the sights in Washington, DC, snow birding to Arizona and cross-country baseball tournaments were all things she enjoyed.  She was an avid sports fan who reveled in watching her kids and grandkids in the wide variety of sports in which they took part which kept her very busy year-round.  She had a particular fondness for Gonzaga Bulldogs basketball and the Seattle Mariners and surprised many people over the years with her understanding of the sport and back-stories of the individual players.

Betty is survived by her son, John Bell, Jr., and daughters Valerie Ditore, Frances Aga (Paul) and Elizabeth Pike, many grandkids, great-grandkids, cousins, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her four siblings, her loving husband Jack, daughter Janet Hoppe, daughter-in-law Patricia Bell, son-in-laws Randy Hoppe, Tony Ditore and Bruce Pike, and special aunt, Virginia Vennire.  Even though she lived 92 years, that isn’t long enough for her family as she is recognized as simply the best mom, grandma, cousin and aunt imaginable.  She embodied The Golden Rule, and was fun-loving and sassy enough to make her very special to all. 

A service and reception will be held for Betty at Hennessey Valley Funeral home at 1315 N. Pines in the Spokane Valley, on Saturday, April 23, at 2:00 PM. The service will be live streamed.  To share memories of Betty and leave condolences for the family, please visit her Tribute Wall.  

Donations in Betty’s honor, can be made to Hospice of Spokane at www.hospiceofspokane.org or an organization of your choice.