Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Betty.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Betty Jean Waite
Ms. Betty Jean Waite, known to her friends as “BJ”, was born April 19, 1924 in Cushman, Ore. to Warner C. and Ella (Wilson) Waite.
BJ grew up on the family dairy owned by her parents, east of Cushman on the Siuslaw River. She was the sixth of their eight children. She attended grade school in Cushman, Ore. and graduated high school from Providence Academy, a boarding school in Vancouver, Wash. After high school, BJ attended the University of Oregon.
After graduating from college, she began her thirty plus year teaching career. She started teaching in Warrenton, moved on to Neah-Kah-Nie, and then Coquille where she met her life-long companion, LouElla Kurle. In 1957, they moved to Brookings where BJ taught middle school until her retirement in 1984.
BJ believed very strongly in her community and supported with all heart the students and teachers of Brookings-Harbor, having a special place in her heart for the Brookings-Harbor basketball team. She was also a huge San Francisco Giants fan and loved her Oregon ducks.
She was a member of the Brookings Presbyterian Church where no task was too small, as evidenced by her great love of volunteering for the Community Kitchen lunch program on Thursday’s.
BJ spent many hours volunteering at Azalea Park and loved “show it off” to family when they came to town for a visit.
One of the honors bestowed upon her was being named the 76th Annual Azalea Festival Grand Marshall.
BJ spent her last years at Sea View Senior Living Community where they took wonderful care of her and her beloved cat, Pico.
BJ is survived by her two nephews, Joey Waite of Eugene, Ore. and Lewis Houghton of Poulsbo, Wash. and many great nieces and nephews.
Betty Jean will be greatly missed by all who knew her!
A graveside service will be held at 1:30pm on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017 at WJ Ward Memorial Cemetery, 1035 7th St. in Brookings. Pastor David Hunter will officiate.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.redwoodmemorial.net. Redwood Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.
