Betty Ann Posz
Betty had the unique ability to make a new friend wherever she went. Her laugh was one of her best tools as she went about the business of making new friends. Her warm greetings always putting everyone at ease.
Betty was born to druggist Jess Griffin and Florence Griffin in Minneapolis on March 22, 1925. She had a wonderful childhood with many foster children coming through the house. The one that stayed the longest was Irene, who she called her sister. Summers and weekends were frequently spent on the beloved family property at Cedar Lake near Aitkin, MN. She worked at her dad’s drug store and soda fountain.
She and Ray met at the University of Minnesota. Her friend Phyl was in band there and so was Ray. They were married on Oct. 23, 1948.
Three daughters including twins were the light of her life. After moving to Seattle in 1962, when Ray went to work for Boeing, she continued raising the girls in Bellevue. Her house was the place everyone wanted to be, as she made everyone feel like family.
One of the highlights of her life was visiting the Holy Land. Ray was able to bring her on a Boeing trip to Amman, Jordan where she and another Boeing wife set up a tour and walked in the place where her good friend Jesus had walked.
Eventually she went to work for Frederick and Nelson as a hostess and bartender in the Rhododendron room. Her hobbies included furniture refinishing and painting ceramics and going to garage sales.
They purchased property at Sandy Hook in the 1960’s and built their Whidbey cabin where they continued the tradition of weekends and summers by the water. When they retired they moved to the island where mom continued collecting friends at Soroptimist and Friendship Force.
She enjoyed many cruises and vacations with family and friends. And, up until recently, their Friday nights at the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club dinners. She never missed a party! Always bringing a dish to share wherever she went! She loved trying new recipes, especially when company was coming.
She is survived by her husband Ray, daughters Nancy Doolittle (Tom), Marcia Posz, Mary Posz (Gene Kegley), granddaughters Jaclyn McConnell (Scott), Cassie Campbell (Tyler) and great granddaughter Isla Ray, and longtime family friend Laurie Lansing.
After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, she succumbed to it on Sept. 26, 2016.
Memorials can be made in her name to the HUB Teen Center, PO Box 1324, Langley Wa 98260 or Langley United Methodist Church langleyumc.org. Please join us for a service in her honor at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct 23 at Langley United Methodist Church, 301 Anthes Avenue in Langley .
There are no strangers — only friends you have yet to meet.
