Obituary of Betty Irene Stern

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at the Lacey Community Church, 4501 19th Ave. SE, for Betty Irene Stern, beloved wife of Don Stern. Betty died after a long illness on September 2, 2013, with family at her bedside. She was 86. Betty was born in Albia, Iowa, on February 4, 1927 to William and Mary Reeves. She graduated from Albia High School in 1945 and went on to study liberal arts at McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. She married Don Stern on August 24, 1947, and her son, Andrew Jay Stern, was born in 1953. Betty and Don traveled widely and visited many of the world’s capitals. Before moving to Lacey in 1995, they lived in Chicago; Oklahoma City; Stony Point, New York; Elgin, Illinois; and Mubi, Nigeria. Betty loved being with people and was an extraordinary cook and homemaker who was as comfortable at a campfire as she was in a fully fitted-out kitchen. Above all, she loved spending time with her family. Survivors include her husband, Don; son, Andrew; daughter-in-law, Susan Palmer; grandson, Isaac Walker-Stern; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Betty’s name to Interfaith Works or a charity of your choice that serves the homeless would be most welcome. Please leave memories of Betty or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.