Betty Rae Black

Betty Rae Black, 99, of Elmer City, Washington, entered into rest with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on November 22, 2025.

Betty Rae (Zorn) Black was born on November 21, 1926, in Greenwood, Louisiana, to Franklin Raymond Zorn and Alice Beatrice (Stafford) Zorn. At a young age, she traveled the country with her family as her father worked construction, including on the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge.

At just 15 years old, Betty was ready to settle in one place, and on May 6, 1942, she married John "Allen" Smith in Morristown, Tennessee. They welcomed one son, Michael Smith. After their divorce, Betty moved to Omak in 1950, where she soon met the love of her life, William George "Billy" Black. They were married on August 1, 1950, and together raised five children: Susan, Scott, Jill, Jackie, and Brett.

The family lived in Monse and Omak before moving to Seattle, where Bill worked as a boilermaker for Pacific Car and Foundry. They remained there until his retirement in 1976, after which they returned to the Colville Indian Reservation.

Upon returning home, Betty worked at the Colville Tribal Greenhouse before beginning a long career with the Bureau of Reclamation at Grand Coulee Dam-first as a switchboard operator, then as a mail carrier. She retired in 1993.

Betty was an exceptionally talented seamstress, sewing most of her children's school clothes and even designing her own patterns. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, making moccasins, and became highly skilled at creating beautiful beadwork. She loved making candy during the holidays and passed her cherished recipes down through her family. Her Catholic faith was central to her life, and she remained active in the church for many years. Known affectionately as "Gran" throughout the community, Betty's door was always open to anyone who needed a warm welcome.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband William Black; her infant son Scott Black; her daughter Susan Black; granddaughter Angel Crutcher; great-granddaughter Laela; her brother Donald Raymond Zorn; and her sister Delores Kay Skinner.

She is survived by her children Michael (Eliza) Smith, Jill Black, Jacqueline Black, and Brett (Shelly) Black; her grandchildren Kim (Donia) Black, Jimmy Van Geystel, Jeremy Chess, Nikki Raymond, TC (Vanessa) Crutcher, Elijah Crutcher, Jordan Ruiz, Tia Crutcher, Cody Ruiz; Taylor (Josh) Friesen, Brady (Jan) Black, and Devan (Alyssa) Black; her great-grandchildren James (Megan) Van Geystel, Amanda (Josh) Jorgenson, Aly Van Geystel, Donnie Crutcher, Ashae Crutcher, Tranice Crutcher, Phillip Ruiz, Kordell Crutcher. Ocean, Bella Ruiz, Kilo Ruiz, Kash Ruiz, Noah, Dawson Friesen, Adelaide Friesen, Hayden Black, and Harper Black.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Henry's Catholic Church on Saturday, November 29th, at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will be provided immediately following the service.

Betty will be remembered for her generosity, creativity, unwavering faith, and the deep love she held for her family and community.