Betty E Baxter

Betty Eileen Marty Baxter The following are quotes from the writings by Betty in her own words: “I sat on the rock ridge above the Fish Mine Gap, looking down into the 2200 acre basin at the head of Rickey Canyon that was my home for the first 19 years of my life. As I looked at it, memories flooded my mind. It was timberland, cattle and sheep pastures, huckleberry country, and excellent hunting. Rickey Creek ran year ‘round from those hills. It was used to irrigate the fields lying fertile below. There was an orchard with apples, cherries, peaches, pears and prunes. A barn, chicken coup, corrals, a woodshed and the house. A spring furnished clear, cold water. The cattle drank from an old wooden water trough, made from planks at papa’s mill. A swamp surrounded by huge red cedar trees with bottomless springs. We were not allowed to play near the swamp due to the danger. It was a beautiful place filled with so many memories. What a wonderful place to grow up. Times were hard and by standards we were poor. Because of the ambition of our parents and Dad’s ability to make money, we had a better life then most in our area. “ JOE: (written 1/13/87 – he died 4/5/86): I sat alone with my memories. Sat at the camp we’d shared. Sat with my tears and my memories. The, strange feeling. A sound with no sound. A Wild Wind, but no wind. A presence; but I was alone. I knew someone was by me; but there should be no one there. I turned, Joe stood there – smiling- exactly like the day I’d met him; black hat, cords, smile. Joe, just a cry from my heart. We knew each other for 47 wonderful years.” Betty, born May 20, 1920, to John and Lenora Marty. At the age of 5, she was given the responsibility to skid logs down an icy hill side with two work horses. She was her dad’s right-hand. Preceded in death by her beloved sisters June and Rosemarie. They attended many grange dances and she was an excellent dance instructor to many of the “shy” boys she grew up with. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. She married Joe on January 25, 1940. They had 5 children: James (Shirley), John (Edie), George, Kelly, Robin. Family was very important to Betty. She loved entertaining with family and the close friends on Five Mile and their railroad friends. She also loved to travel. Philippines, Hawaii, Florida, Nasua/Bahamas, Alaska, Canada and many states. She loved camping, fishing, hunting. gardening, her beloved horses and took up oil painting at the age of 82. She cherished the visits with her many nieces and nephews over the years. She was blessed with two grandchildren: Rodger (Brianna) and Lesa. Five very loved great-grand children. Rodger and Lesa were her camping/fishing partners for many years. Especially after the loss of her beloved Joe. Stephen H Burrill, her (adopted) Wild Son, who in 1987, at the Elco, Alberta-Canada rodeo, recognized her 50th anniversary of being the Kettle Falls Rodeo Queen (1938/1939). She was presented with roses, an engraved belt buckle and a wild pony to ride around the ring. Her family wishes special thanks to the following: Dr Alan Purdy and Dena: For all your understanding to someone who was not the norm. To Horizon Hospice: Tracy, Annette, Jeff, Pastor Chris, Bonnie, the two Heathers, Marjorie, Johanna, Kay Hill(volunteer) and the rest of the staff that made Betty’s passing as comfortable as possible. Debbie H: Thank you for your wisdom and special caring to Betty. Also, for the respite provided when needed. Teresa R: For all the love and caring you showed our mother over the years you knew her. Especially at the end. Betty Eileen Marty Baxter May 20, 1920 – December 7, 2011 YOUR PRESENCE WILL BE MISSED