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Westford Funeral Home & Cremation, 1301 Broadway Street, Bellingham, WA (2026)

06/15/2026

Ruth M. Schmidt

Ruth Marie Schmidt, age 83, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. She was born in Batavia, IL, to Frank and Helen White.

As a young girl, Ruth moved to Bellingham, WA, with her family. Ruth graduated from Bellingham High School with the class of 1960, where she enjoyed cheerleading, dances, time with friends, and met her husband, Roger Schmidt. After high school, Ruth attended business college, where she studied bookkeeping. Ruth always had a strong work ethic, working many jobs while raising her family. She later loved her job as an Administrative Assistant at Fire District 2 until her retirement.

Ruth had many hobbies over the years. She was a talented seamstress and cake decorator, often making customized cakes for birthdays and weddings, as well as sewing clothes and costumes for family. She especially loved skiing at Mount Baker, which she continued to do well into her 70s. Ruth loved to travel, going on many road trips with her family and even exploring Costa Rica and Paris in recent years. She remained close with the Bellingham High School class of 1960 and was active in her community, often planning and attending game nights, movie nights, and potlucks. Ruth loved the Lord, which moved her to volunteer in Christ the King’s garden and connect with her LOL (Little Old Ladies) group. More than anything, Ruth cherished time around her kitchen table playing games, laughing, and sharing stories with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ruth was incredibly grateful for the life and family she built with her husband, Roger, the love of her life, with whom she shared many special memories.

Ruth will be remembered for her kindness and compassion for others. She selflessly cared for the people around her and volunteered her time whenever she could. It was not uncommon for her to pause whatever she was doing to lend a helping hand.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Schmidt; parents, Frank and Helen White; sister Jeanne Johnson; mother-in-law, Vaneta Schmidt; and granddaughter, Nicole Spyksma.

Ruth is survived by her brother, Jim White; children, Joe Schmidt (Jodee), Becky Spyksma, and Amy Graham (Johnny); grandchildren, Booker Schmidt (Jenn), Jaydee Johnson (Michael), Carson Schmidt, Naomi Spyksma (Ramon), Natasha Spyksma, Brittany Beauchamp (Jeremy), and Rayder Frank; great-grandchildren Reagan, Reese, Nelli, Camila, Ellie, Junior, and another on the way.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Squalicum Boathouse (2600 N Harbor Loop Dr, Bellingham) on Friday, July 10, at 1:00 p.m.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the wonderful staff at Whatcom Hospice House for their care of Ruth.

If you wish to remember Ruth with a gift, please consider making a donation to Whatcom Hospice House or supporting Christ the King’s Food Share and Farm program in Ruth’s honor.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

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06/04/2026

Jacqueline J. Bailey

Jacqueline “Jackie” Justina (Beech) Bailey was born on the Beech family homestead in Slayton, Minnesota, on July 28, 1929, to Edward and Julia Beech. In 1938, the family moved to Everson, Washington, where Jackie attended Sumas and Everson Elementary and graduated from Nooksack Valley High School. She married James “Jim” Bailey in 1947, and they lived in Everson where she enjoyed gardening, especially tending to her roses, and making a home for her family. Most mornings, she went for a brisk walk around Riverside Park, where today there is still a trail enjoyed by many.

She and Jim had two children, Diane Bailey (partner Bruce) and David Bailey (Christy). She also was blessed with three grandchildren, Kristi Loveland (Cory), Peter Barter (Bessie), and Guy Barter; and three great grandchildren, Chase, Jacob, and Madison. She is survived by sister, Carol d’Haitre, and brother, Curtis Beech (Steve).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; and great-grandson, Jacob.

She will be laid to rest at Nooksack Cemetery.

Donations can be made to her church: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 5782 Lawrence Road, Everson, WA 98247.

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06/02/2026

Martha King

Martha Louise King, age 98, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026.

Martha was born on January 6, 1928, and grew up in Livermore, CA. She attended Stanford University, where she majored in geography. She cherished fond memories of her childhood, especially time spent with her family at her parents’ cabin near Meeks Bay on Lake Tahoe, a place she loved throughout her life.

She later made her home in Lindsay, CA with her husband, Maxwell King, who served as CEO of the Lindsay Ripe Olive Company. Together they raised their three children: Louise Fair of Seattle (husband Bob Fair), Jim King of Spokane, and Laurel King of Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, NV.

In 1973, Maxwell’s work brought the family to Bellingham, where Martha (known as Marty) became deeply involved in her community. She worked at St. Luke's Hospital, where she became the Whatcom County Hypertension Control Program Coordinator. She was also an active volunteer with the Bellingham Assistance League, the Senior Center, and a devoted member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, Bellingham Chapter F.

Martha enjoyed both international and domestic travel and embraced life with curiosity, warmth, and grace. She especially loved to dance and brought joy and energy wherever she went. In the later years of her life, she was fortunate to share close companionship and friendship with two wonderful companions who brought her much happiness. In recent years, she was lovingly cared for by Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative, whose kindness and compassionate support meant so much to her family.

Above all, Martha was a devoted and loving mother whose warmth and kindness were felt by all who knew her. She had a delightful sense of humor, a gracious spirit, and a gift for making others feel welcome and cared for. Her family and friends will remember her with love, gratitude, and affection, and her memory will remain a lasting blessing to all whose lives she touched.

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05/22/2026

Jacqueline D. Laughlin

Jacqueline Diane Laughlin (Myers) passed away May 13, 2026, at her home in Bellingham, Washington. She was 83.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Jackie spent her life moving between Canada and the United States, creating beautiful homes, friendships and community in both countries. After moving to Washington state as a child, she later spent 20 years in Kelowna before returning to Bellingham in retirement to be near family.

Jackie graduated from Marysville High School and later from Mary Stone Beauty School in Seattle before marrying Ron Goethals May 19, 1961. Together, they built a life that included boating and camping trips with their children throughout the San Juan Islands and at Baker Lake. The family lived in Snohomish, Kitsap and later Skagit counties. Her favorite memories were often tied to family, laughter and caring for others.

In the late 1970s, Ron surprised Jackie by purchasing the Sedro-Woolley Bakery & Café. Working with customers transformed her from a self-described wallflower of her youth into someone known for warmth and humor. She loved serving people, joking with customers and making others feel welcome.

Jackie endured losses throughout her life. She and Ron lost their firstborn daughter, Linda, in infancy. Ron died unexpectedly in 1981, leaving 39-year-old Jackie to navigate life as a widowed mother with two teenagers, a five-acre hobby farm and a business to manage alone. She later married Chuck Roo, who died just a few years later.

Rather than surrendering to hardship, Jackie repeatedly rebuilt her life. After Ron’s death and the sale of the bakery, she enrolled in the State of Washington Displaced Homemaker program, where she learned professional caregiving skills and how to become financially independent. In 1986, she was invited to speak on the Displaced Homemaker Panel at a state conference, sharing insight into the challenges widowed women face.

A few years after Ron’s death, Jackie’s son, Steve, suffered life-altering injuries in a motorcycle accident. During that difficult period, a friend once told her, “Jackie, if you didn’t have bad luck, you wouldn’t have any luck at all.” She found humor in that statement and, despite the hardships she faced, Jackie refused to become bitter. Instead, she moved through life with s***k, determination and an ever-present smile.

In 1988, Jackie moved to Kelowna, British Columbia, with then husband Glenn Laughlin, where she spent the next two decades building a caregiving career. She became a certified special needs worker and worked at group homes, caring for people living with disabilities. She was often recognized for her positivity, compassion and excellence in her work.

Caregiving was never simply a job for Jackie. It was who she was. She devoted much of her life to activities that supported children, people living with disabilities and those who needed encouragement or kindness. She volunteered with organizations including Giggles & Hugs Parenting Program in Kelowna and Assistance League in Bellingham.

Jackie loved flowers and gardening and had a special appreciation for orchids. A spare bedroom in her home was often filled with orchids, including many rescued from friends and neighbors who could never get them to bloom again. She loved traveling to warm destinations and especially enjoyed her numerous trips to Waikiki.

More than anything, Jackie loved her family. She served as Steve’s guardian, advocate and unwavering source of love and support for nearly 40 years following his accident. She was immensely proud of her daughter, Patti, and loved their frequent phone calls, video chats and visits. When Patti moved to a two-story home, despite mobility and health challenges and with encouragement and support from family, Jackie always found the strength to climb a flight of stairs so she wouldn’t miss out on any gatherings.

She adored her grandchildren, Kelsey and Branden. When they were young and needed babysitting, she would read all the instructions left by their parents, then joke that she’d “throw the note away as soon as you left.” Time spent together was filled with laughter, teasing, hugs and proud grandmotherly affection.

Jackie was known for giving wonderful hugs and for finding small ways to brighten the lives of other people. She made people laugh. She made people feel included and cared for. Even during difficult seasons, she carried herself with warmth, humor and resilience, showing future generations that life may knock you down at times, but you always get back up.

Since 2022, Jackie resided at Highgate Senior Living in Bellingham, where she built relationships with both residents and care partners. While she never wanted the official title of resident ambassador, Jackie always welcomed new residents and helped them settle into the community.

Jackie was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Linda Jean Goethals; her husband, Ronald Jules Goethals; her husband, Charles William Roo; her mother, Kathleen Elizabeth Chrisman; and her son, Steven Michael Goethals.

She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Goethals Rowlson; her grandchildren, Kelsey Haynes and Branden Rowlson; her sisters, Maureen Morlang and Vicky Myers; her brother, Barry Chrisman; and numerous family members, dear friends and others she loved as family.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the care partners, life enrichment coordinators, dining room team, med techs, housekeepers and others at Highgate Senior Living for the laughter, kindness, encouragement and friendship they brought to Jackie’s life.

Per Jackie’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. Instead, a private family gathering to celebrate her life will be held June 28, her birthday.

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05/18/2026

Rita Ann Kerstiens

Rita Kerstiens died peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Bellingham, WA, where she moved after living her entire life in Toledo, Ohio. She cherished her time there with family and friends but moved to be closer to her children and grandsons. She was born on July 30, 1950, attended St. Vincent de Paul Grade School in north Toledo, and was a member of the great Class of ’68 at Central Catholic High School. After graduation, she moved to Memphis, TN, to attend Siena College and Christian Brothers University, where she met her husband, Larry, to whom she was married for 54 years. She graduated in three and a half years and was certified to teach elementary school and high school English and history. She returned to Toledo in December 1971, where she taught English at her alma mater.

In 1972, she was hired by St. Clement School, teaching fourth through eighth grades. She also volunteered in the evenings, teaching at a group home for juvenile delinquent boys after their release from jail. In 1979, she was hired by the Lucas County Educational Service Center to teach remedial reading and math, which she did for 26 years. After retiring, she returned to work part-time at Regina Coeli School for another four years, teaching Title I reading and math. She then volunteered at Dorr School in Toledo and in Washington schools. She loved teaching and her students and felt blessed to be given the opportunity to help students learn. She even volunteered at Gesu and CCHS schools, where her daughter and son attended.

She loved traveling and planning trips for friends, herself, and her husband. She completed her bucket list of visiting all 50 states, about 30 national parks, Europe, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. As an educator, she loved reading, especially to her grandchildren. She loved learning new things every day. Her first love was being with her beautiful family, whom she cherished with every breath.

She was a member of the State Teachers’ Association of Ohio, the Toledo Zoo, Friends of the Library, National Park Foundation, Bellingham Senior Center, Toledo Botanical Gardens, and Sacred Heart Church in Bellingham, WA. Before moving to Washington, she was a member of St. Vincent de Paul, Gesu, and St. Joan of Arc parishes.

Preceding Rita in death were her loving parents, Glenn and Stella Rogers; and her precious daughter and grandson, Tanya and Benton Rowe.

Survivors include her loving husband, Larry; son, Brad (Holly); grandson, Alden Kerstiens; brother, Ron (Claudia) Rogers; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Nancy Kerstiens; nephew, Mike Kerstiens; and aunt, Lottie Czekaj.

A vigil prayer service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1110 14th St, Bellingham). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, at Sacred Heart Church. A reception will follow at the church. According to her wishes, she will be cremated and placed with Tanya and Benton at Bayview Cemetery during a private family service. A memorial service will also be arranged in Toledo, OH, at a future date.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio in Perrysburg, Ohio; Susan G. Komen Foundation; Central Catholic High School (2550 Cherry St., Toledo, Ohio 43608); Sacred Heart Church in Bellingham; Assumption School or Assumption Church; or a charity of your choice.

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05/14/2026

Charles Virgil Dvorak

Charles passed away into the arms of his Lord on May 6, 2026, at his home in Yelm, WA, surrounded by his two sons.

Charles (also known as Butch, Chuck, and Charlie) was born on October 23, 1939, to Charles and Nellie (Miller) Dvorak in Cresco, IA. He was the fifth of seven children. Charles graduated from Notre Dame High School and then joined the U.S. Air Force. He started out as a cook, and one of his favorite stories to tell was how the base commander would only have Airman Dvorak prepare his eggs. He then moved on to learning HVAC and decided to leave the Air Force when they wanted him to start teaching. He moved back to Iowa where he worked for the city for about a year. A chance meeting with a Naval recruiter convinced him to join the Navy as a Seabee. There, he would spend several years teaching. While stationed at Port Hueneme, he agreed to go on a double date with a friend. It was on that date that he met Grace Johnson, who was the date of his friend. Charles and Grace had more in common with each other than their dates and a year later Charles (during his first of two tours in Vietnam) proposed. Charles and Grace ended up living in Adak, AK, Oxnard, CA, Germantown, MD before finally settling down in Bellingham, WA. Along the way, the couple welcomed two sons, Jeffery (Jeff) and Glen (Rich), and a daughter, Melynda.

While Grace was his true love, racquetball came in a close second. Charles played racquetball for about 30 years, racking up numerous first-place trophies and club championships. He was also a talented carpenter and (after moving to Yelm in 2008) built several pieces for St Columban Church. Charles was always ready and willing to help those in need and is remembered for his warm smile and playful demeanor. That is, except by his sons who remember what it was like to hold the flashlight for him. He would have appreciated that part.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace; his daughter, Melynda; and his brothers, Donald, William, Eugene, and Robert.

He is survived by his sons, Michael (Michelle), Jeffery (Pamela), and Glen; daughter, Michelle (Randy) Chwialkowski; brother Wayne (Linda) Dvorak; and two grandchildren, Anna-Grace and Charles (Charlie).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 19th, at 11 a.m. at St. Columban Catholic Church in Yelm, WA (506 1st St S, Yelm) with a reception following at the parish hall. He will be laid to rest at Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, WA, during a graveside service with full military honors on Thursday, June 4th, at 10 a.m.

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05/13/2026

Raymond G. Ramusack

Raymond G. “Ray” Ramusack passed away peacefully at home in Bellingham on May 12, 2026, surrounded by love. Born in Gary, Indiana, Ray lived a life defined by intellect, compassion, curiosity, and deep connection to family and faith. A devoted animal advocate, Ray’s compassion extended not only to people, but to all living things.

Ray attended Catholic elementary and high school, building the strong spiritual and moral foundation that guided him throughout his life. He proudly graduated from University of Notre Dame as a philosophy major, “Go Irish!” He went on to earn his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine and furthered his education through studies at The University of Texas and the University of Washington.

A double board-certified physician, Ray dedicated his life to medicine, practicing Internal Medicine before later specializing in Anesthesiology. He approached patient care with intelligence, humanity, and an unwavering desire to help others. Throughout his career, he impacted countless lives not only as a physician, but as a mentor, colleague, advocate, and friend.

Ray embraced life fully and energetically. He loved hiking, running, biking, ice skating, marksmanship, traveling, and so much more. Travel and human connection were among Ray’s greatest passions. He loved learning about people’s cultures, beliefs, and religions, often asking “a million questions” in pursuit of understanding. He deeply appreciated the diversity of life and found meaning in thoughtful conversation, spirited debate, and genuine connection.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elizabeth Ramusack.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karla; his stepdaughter, Kennedy Ives; his sister, Janet Levine Ramusack and her family; his brother, Randy Ramusack and his wife; and his lifelong friend, Janet Keough.

Ray was a wonderful husband, father, brother, physician, thinker, debater, and friend - a person whose presence left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His kindness, intellect, humor, and curiosity forever changed lives, and he will be profoundly missed.

Vigil will be at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, 5/25, at Church of the Assumption. Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. the following day, 5/26. A graveside committal will be held on Wednesday, 5/27, at 12:00 p.m. at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to Humane Society of Skagit Valley or Church of the Assumption.

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05/08/2026

Dorothy Lee Benner

Dorothy Lee (Brown) Benner passed away at the age of 92 on May 4, 2026. Dorothy was born in a house on Sunset Drive in Bellingham on September 6, 1933, to Frank and Ethel Brown. She was the youngest of 10 children. Dorothy was quite the tomboy growing up on East Victor Street. She loved to climb trees and wear military uniforms gifted by her older brothers. She graduated from Bellingham High School in 1951. After graduating she worked at Sears in downtown Bellingham in the payroll department. Dorothy married the boy who lived across the street, Gordon Benner, on July 31, 1954. They purchased a home on Cedarwood Ave, which they owned for 69 years. Dorothy and Gordon raised four children in the house on Cedarwood.

Dorothy was a very talented secretary and bookkeeper and worked part time for Allstate and then Birchwood Presbyterian church. She was also very active in PTA at Birchwood Elementary and Shuksan Middle School, being awarded the Golden Acorn award twice. She also volunteered with Camp Fire, The BHS Class of 1951 reunion committee, The USS O’Bannon Reunion organization and the Bellingham Police Wives association. Dorothy was also a member at Birchwood Presbyterian church and in retirement volunteered there for many years.

Gordon and Dorothy loved to go camping and their grandchildren have wonderful memories of camping adventures including 30 years of Labor Day camping at Newhalem Creek campground. They also traveled all over the US attending O’Bannon reunions. Dorothy also made many friends as a Mall Walker at Bellis Fair.

Dorothy deeply loved her family and friends. She excelled at being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was known as having the “Hallmark gene”, as she was so on top of sending cards to family and friends. Dorothy loved to visit with neighbors and friends, and her children remember begging her not to talk to so many people in the neighborhood Albertsons.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; all her siblings: Leona, Alice, Frank, Del, Alvin, Malcom, Owen, Bob and Gloria.

She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Gordon, and her children: Curtis (Mary) Benner of Kent, Robin (Mark) Maass of Lynnwood, Allyson (Gordon) Vlas of Ferndale, and Kim (Adam) Carter of Everson. Her grandchildren: Whitney (Eben) Dygert, Matt (Juliet) Kennedy, Kelsey (Sid) Khound, Josh (Melissa) Benner, Aimee Jiang, Tim Maass, Elizabeth Benner, Christine Benner, Tanner Tutterrow, Taran Tutterrow, Aaron Carter, and Casey Carter plus 3 great grandchildren; Jensen Benner, and Niva and Thea Khound – with a fourth due on her birthday.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Orchard Park Assisted Living for their wonderful, loving care for almost 4 years. Plus, Home Instead and Hospice of Whatcom County.

A memorial service will be held at Cordata Presbyterian Church (formerly Birchwood), 400 Meadowbrook Court, Bellingham, on Friday, June 12 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Cordata Presbyterian Church or Hospice of Whatcom County.

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05/07/2026

Elizabeth Mae Strand

Elizabeth Mae “Betty” Strand passed away on April 30, 2026, at the age of 98. She was born on January 25, 1928, in Bellingham, Washington - a city she would return to again and again throughout her life, and ultimately never leave. Bellingham was her home, her community, and her heart.

Betty was the daughter of Pioneer Fairhaven Merchants, Nels and Sophia (Jacobson) Strand. Her father Nels had come to America from the Valdres Valley of Norway at age 16, worked his way west as a sheep herder, chased gold in Alaska, and eventually opened a variety store in Fairhaven. Her mother’s family, the Jacobsons, were among the founding families of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Betty grew up immersed in that proud Norwegian-American heritage: lutefisk and lefse on Christmas Eve, fattigman and kringlas her mother made by hand, and parents who would switch to Norwegian when they didn’t want the children to understand - until Betty’s budding comprehension gave her away.

Much of Betty’s childhood was spent in Nome, Alaska, where her father managed a mercantile company. Those years, roughly from the late 1920s through December 1944, shaped her in ways that stayed with her for the rest of her long life. Nome was a remote, resilient, and surprisingly vibrant community. During World War II, the town sat at a strategic crossroads: American pilots ferried planes through Nome to Russian allies, and the Strand family watched the drama of the war unfold from their front-row seat on the Bering Sea. Betty later recalled the Northern Lights blazing over the ice while the Coast Guard shot off skyrockets on New Year’s Eve, Easter sunrise services on skis out on Chicken Hill, and books so well-loved from being passed around the community that they went limp in your hands. It was a childhood rich in memory. She could recount those Nome stories decades later with every name, date, and detail intact - sharp, vivid, and delivered with a storyteller’s timing that made you feel like you were right there on the tundra with her.

The family returned to Washington in December 1944 so Betty and her brother Bob could continue their education. They lived in Seattle, where both siblings attended Lincoln High School before enrolling at the University of Washington. Betty studied physical education and health with a minor in English, and was taught zoology by a young Dixy Lee Ray, who she always remembered as a marvelous lecturer.

Betty graduated from the University of Washington and began her teaching career in Mount Vernon at the high school and community college. But it was a different calling that would define her next chapter. In 1953, Betty enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, just five years after women had been integrated into the regular Corps. She was accepted to Officer Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia. During her service she was stationed at Quantico, Camp Lejeune, and Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as an Inspector Instructor for a reserve unit. She taught Supply, Marine Corps History, and the customs and rules of military service at the NCO Leadership School and Officer Candidate School. She attained the rank of Captain and wore it, in every sense, for the rest of her life.

When her mother became ill, Betty resigned her commission and came home. Back in Bellingham, she earned her teaching credentials through a fellowship at Western Washington University, eventually completing two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in school counseling from Central Washington University.

Betty became a fixture in the Bellingham education community as a physical education teacher, coach, and guidance counselor who touched countless lives while teaching at Bellingham and Sehome High Schools, as well as Skagit Valley College.

Outside the classroom, Betty was deeply involved in her community. She was a member of the Washington Education Association, the National Education Association, the Retired Teachers Association, American Legion Post 7, and Elks Lodge #194. She was a proud and active co-founder of the Women Marines Association WA-3 Northsound Chapter, and remained a devoted member for the rest of her life - one of the oldest living Women Marines of her era.

Betty was a lifelong member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, following in the footsteps of her grandfather Easton Jacobsen, one of its founding fathers. She taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served in leadership roles within the congregation - a reflection of a faith that was never performative, always lived.

Betty loved the outdoors. In her younger years as an avid camper who explored Washington's state parks and later, found joy in simple pleasures: watching hummingbirds from her window, sharing stories, and caring for her beloved dog Willow. She was a passionate fan of the Seattle Storm and the WNBA and never missed a chance to cheer on her team. She had a competitive streak and knew how to have fun with it: she loved Bingo at the Elks Lodge and made an annual birthday tradition of hitting the slot machines at Angel of the Winds Casino - a ritual she upheld faithfully until her 97th birthday.

Betty remained sharp as a tack well into her final years. She loved to laugh, and she loved to make others laugh. A devoted stamp collector, Betty appreciated what a good stamp represents: a small, carefully chosen thing that has traveled far and carried a whole world of history in it. She collected people the same way - with curiosity, with care, and with the quiet understanding that everyone has a story worth keeping.

She was surrounded by the deep affection of a large and devoted extended family - nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many, many friends who considered her a treasured part of their lives.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Nels and Sophia Strand; her sister, Margaret “Peggy” Strand; her infant sister, Alice Jean Strand; and her brother, Robert “Bob” Neil Strand, who passed away on February 23, 2026, just weeks before her.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12, at Bayview Cemetery in Bellingham. A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Bellingham.

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