Betty Ann Paulsen, 78, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 1, 2008 at Home Place Special Care Unit in Oak Harbor after losing her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born in Fremont, Neb. on Aug. 13, 1929, she was the second of four kids born to Max and Bessie Heller.

Betty graduated from Columbus High School in May of 1947. While living and working in Nebraska she met and married her husband, Arnold Paulsen on April 27, 1956.

One year later, they moved to Seattle, bought their first home and gave life to their three children.

In March of 1982, Betty and Arnold ventured to Whidbey Island to live and retire in paradise at their Lagoon Point home. While residing on the Island, they enjoyed good clean living, great fishing and peaceful evening strolls. Betty was an active part of the Lagoon Point Improvement Club as secretary for many years.

Her parents, Max and Bessie Heller and both of her sisters, Lorraine Wittler and Mary Chamberlain, precede Betty in death.

She is survived in life by her husband Arnold Paulsen; her brother John Heller; and children, Nancy Selix (Brian), Linda Lutch (John) and Karl Paulsen.

She was a loving grandmother to 10 wonderful grandchildren; Christopher, Joseph, Timothy and Andrea Selix. Mark (Kim), Robert (Fantasy), Elizabeth and Michael Lutch, and Samantha and Beth Paulsen.

Betty also had four great-grandchildren whom she never got to know, Devin, Sydney, Tara and Jared.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 at the Bayview Cemetery followed by a celebration of her life at the family home in Lagoon Point.

In lieu of flowers, the family requets donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at 12721 30th Ave NE, Suite 101 Seattle, WA 98125 in hopes that some day they may find a cure for this devastating illness.