Elizabeth Ellen “Betty” Stafford, 88, passed away Nov. 8, 2002, at her home in Freeland.

She was born Oct. 16, 1914, in Yorkville, Ill., to Ruth and Edward Shepard. After graduating as valedictorian of Yorkville High School, she attended Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa. She then attended Simmons College, Boston, where she met Donald E. Stafford, who was completing his medical degree at Harvard Medical School. They were married Sept. 28, 1935. After Dr. Stafford completed neurosurgical training at the Mayo Clinic and Army service during World War II, they settled in Seattle to establish a medical practice and raise their three daughters.

In Seattle, Mrs. Stafford was actively involved in her daughters’ activities and volunteered extensively in support of Children’s Hospital. Both she and her husband sang in the Cathedral Choir at University Presbyterian Church for 35 years. Mrs. Stafford loved traveling, skiing, and boating with family and friends, and members of her family have been the beneficiaries of her handiwork skills — knitting, sewing, quilting and other crafts.

With Mr. Stafford’s retirement from medical practice, the Staffords moved from Seattle to south Whidbey Island. Again, both were choir members — this time at St. Augustine’s in the Woods Episcopal Church. Mrs. Stafford volunteered at the Senior Thrift Shop and was active in PEO and Bible study.

Until her eyesight failed in recent months, Mrs. Stafford continued to play bridge with friends. At home she always had a word game, card game, jigsaw puzzle or crossword puzzle to challenge her visitors, and she had an uncanny ability to outfox all competitors.

She was preceded in death by her husband in 1994 and by her brother, David W. Shepard, in 1999.

She is survived by three daughters, Diana S. Spock and husband Alexander, of Durham, N.C., Sandra S. Anderson and husband Dorman, of Seattle, and Linda M. Stafford of Freeland; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in her name may be made to the general fund of her church, St. Augustine’s in the Woods Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 11, Freeland, WA 98249.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visser Funeral Home, Langley.