Betty Louise Erbes, of Camano Island, Wash., passed gracefully on July 10, 2007.
Betty was born on Aug. 5, 1944, to Charles and Alma Althauser, in Portland, Ore.
At the age of three, Betty started her journey as a classical pianist. At nine, she performed on the local radio station and later recordings on record. She continued to delight her audiences throughout her life.
In 1979, Betty was instrumental in developing the critical care unit in Cascade Valley Hospital, Arlington, Wash. She continued to expand her knowledge working in various areas of medicine. Betty taught classes at the hospital and mentored medical staff.
In 1984, Betty embarked on a mission to Haiti, providing medical care to a government dignitary, nursing him through a near-fatal disease. She fulfilled her life-long dream of becoming a nurse, dedicating her life to helping others.
Continuing to love life throughout her journey with cancer, she lived life to the fullest, taking adventures from riding a Harley in leathers to season tickets at the Opera. Delighted in fine arts, big shopping sprees at Nordstroms, out-racing trains to reach a Birkenstock sale, diverse culinary delicacies, reading, self-improvement, theater, nature and reaching out to those in need.
Betty leaves behind her brother, Gordy; sister, Jackie; daughters, Lori, Cheri and Chris; grandchildren, Demi, Christian and Kendra; nieces, nephews and countless dear friends.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 28, 2007, at the Camano Center.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Fred Hutchisons Cancer Research.