Bettye Jo Baltz, 84, passed away in Spokane, Washington’s Sacred Heart Hospital during the morning hours of March 18, 2013. She was born into the Memphis, Tenn., home of James David and Clara Estelle Perry on October 20, 1928,

In 1950, 21-year-old waitress Bettye Jo Perry married the love of her life Ernest L. Baltz Jr. Bettye then traded the food service industry for the lifetime profession of full time wife, mother and eventually grandmother. As long as she was able Bettye enjoyed working in her yard, then during later years she never missed her favorite game shows and enjoyed working through “Search for Words” puzzle books.

Following her husband Ernest’s death in 1989, Bettye relocated to Coulee Dam, Wash., from Chula Vista, California, so that she could be closer to family.

Predeceased by her beloved husband of 39 years Ernest L. Baltz Jr. and her son Ernest L. Baltz III; Bettye’s legacy lives on through her two daughters: Linda Eaton (Dennis) and Susan Sontag (Dewayne Calvin); grandchildren: Brenda Reyes (John), Nickie Eaton (Michael Haworth), Shawn Eaton, Scott Sontag, Jerry Sontag, Ernest L. Baltz IV and Liz Baltz; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother John Russell Perry and sisters: Mabel Sue Grisham and Anita Faye Landreth.

At Bettye’s request, cremation has taken place with her cremated remains to be placed next to those of her husband Ernest Jr. at San Diego, California’s beautiful Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Wash., is honored to be caring for Bettye’s family. Please sign her online register book at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com.