Betty Lucille (Willis) Barnes Obituary (1924 - 2020)

Nothing meant more to Betty than family, and at nearly 97 years of age, she had a large one. She loved sending cards and letters, and never forgot a birthday or anniversary, often remembering even casual friends' special days. With Betty, her love extended far beyond blood. Truly a light in an often dark world, she had a great sense of humor and a quick wit, even to her last day. She was loved by everyone who knew her. Betty had many close friends, one of which she only met once, yet they corresponded for over 50 years. Once she met you, she never forgot your name nor ever failed to ask about your loved ones. She also deeply loved the Lord, who gave her a heart filled with compassion for those less fortunate. She supported numerous charities that met the needs of families, children, animals, and the environment. Betty served many years as a poll worker and was an active member of the American Legion and La Societe de Femme. She was a woman of quiet determination, finishing high school after WWII at the age of 28 with children of her own in grade school. Betty's hobbies were many, but mostly she enjoyed her sewing, quilting, and crochet. She was always making a gift for someone! Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Barnes, daughter, Juanita Houston, and granddaughter, Laura Lyle. She is survived by daughters Mary Anne Coleman and Dawn Mahaffey both of Graham, WA, and son Scott Morris of Washougal, WA, 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Betty's remains will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery, Happy Valley, Oregon. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: Tacoma Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 1912, Tacoma, WA 98401-1912, https://www.trm.org/donate/ or Old Dog Haven P.O. Box 1409, Oak Harbor, WA 98277-1409, https://olddoghaven.org/donate-now/