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Betty Word
August 7, 1921 - December 25, 2009
Tribute
Betty Jean Word
August 7, 1921 – December 25, 2009
Betty and France Word always said “it isn’t enough to attend church and a Bible study – you need to know Jesus personally.” Betty kept these values and her life was one of service. A talented piano player and musician, she always was there to help.
Her husband, France, often said she was “little but mighty” and it would be better to let her have her way and not to argue with her. Her family have seen this trait as a strength throughout the years. She truly was the wife and mother of Proverbs 31. In 1963, France semi-retired from a busy surgical practice because of health reasons. They moved to a cattle ranch in the Cariboo, where France could also practice medicine in nearby Quesnel. Betty willingly made the transition from comfort and status in West Vancouver to life in a log house on the ranch Here she would be out in sub zero weather delivering new calves or busy feeding a haying crew in the summer. Always the lady, she wore a dress even doing ranch work!
Eventually, France retired and sold the ranch. He and Betty moved to a lovely apartment near Stanley Park, overlooking English Bay. God led them into Full Gospel Business Men International and for five years were in full time ministry. With her husband, and later on her own, Betty went on air lifts with this organization, spreading the love of God abroad. Her gentle grace was so accepted in any nation and any language. She reached out to people.
Betty loved to travel, and after her husband passed away in 1984, she was a woman who seemed to want to see as much of the world as she could. She even lived in France for six weeks with her French class, speaking only French. A few years later, it was Mexico, practicing Spanish with host families. When not travelling, she played in a harmonica band at the West Vancouver Seniors Centre, went on hikes, squared danced, and generally kept very active.
She was a lady with a purpose and the family would say that in order to see Mom, you needed to make an appointment. Yet when needed by family, she would be there to assist. She looked forward to her visits with son John in Vernon, and daughter Susan’s family in Atlanta, GA. She enjoyed driving vacations with Betty-Jo and Steve.
Sadly, her children watched this wonderful vibrant woman succumb to Alzheimers Disease, and Betty-Jo brought her to Oliver to receive care during her final years. Yet Betty continued to rely on her Christian faith to sustain her – the faith that enabled her family to communicate with her in those anxious moments. A prayer, a song or a soft touch would always quiet her down.
Betty’s life was full for over 80 years and many have been blessed by her testimony, her service and her prayers. Betty-Jo, Susan and John honor her legacy she has left, and rejoice that she is now reunited with her beloved France.
Condolences
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From: Andy & Sharon Burke
Relation: friends of Steve & Betty-jo
Dear Steve and Betty-jo, we are so sorry to hear that ” mom ” recently passed away. We only new her a short time through our visits which we enjoyed very much. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time , love Andy & Sharon
From: Harry & Gail Roberts
Relation: friends of Betty-Jo & Steve
We remember Betty when she was watching our square and round dances at Kyle Centre. She was a very special lady and I know she will be sorely missed. In Sympathy & Friendship, Harry & Gail
From: Sheila Hollands
Relation: Friend
Betty was a vibrant lady when I met her and Franes at Full Gospel Business Men’s Chapters & Conferences. She loved Jesus and wanted to share Him with others. Her love and care for others who were marginized showed her gracious spirit. Betty always had a smile and encouraging word. She loved & prayed for her family,
Love & Prayers, Sheila Hollands
From: Diane Solursh
Relation: friend of her daughter, Betty Jo
I remember Mrs. Word best from the years that Betty Jo (“Beege”) and I spent as friends in West Vancouver. She would joke about her “three little Words” – Betty Jo, Susan and John. Always such a lady, I smiled at the description in the obituary about her feeding ranch hands while wearing a dress. I’m sure that is true, because I remember her always looking absolutely perfect, and smiling and laughing no matter how much mischief we got into. She was a wonderful mother and she brightened the world for all who were lucky enough to know her.
From: dennis & Gladys Wilson
Relation: Full Gospel Business Men
We were saddened to learn of Betty’s death or rather her passing to a world that is even more real than this one. She was a lovely Godly woman and I am sure there was a crown awaiting her in heaven as there was for her husband, France. I know the angels stood to attention when she entered into the presence of her Lord….
From: David Giesbrecht
Relation: Friend of the Family
The photo of her on this website is how remember on a most delightful visit to the ranch sometime in the early 1970. Betty was a gracious hostess and a very animated conversationalist. Her life of witness is an inspiration for all.
From: Jim & Barbara Davis
Relation: We are friends of Betty Word
It was such a blessing knowing Betty through the years.From her camping days through the last cloudy ones.She was always lady.
Jim, Barb & family
From: Gwen Wilkinson
Relation: I was a nurse for Betty.
Betty was always a lady.I only wish I could have met her sooner in life.So much experiance and so full of life. Truely a loss here on earth.
From: Kimie Otani
Relation: Friend
My heart-felt sympathies for this sad loss, Betty-Jean was truly an inspiring woman and I am lucky to have had the chance to meet her.
I have a wonderful memory from the time I spent with Betty-Jean, when I visited Betty-Jo in the summer all those years ago. It was Betty-Jean’s birthday, and there was a party I went to, where we met. She looked so happy and bright with her big beautiful smile. I remember, she was interested in my black-silk hat, so at the end of the party I gave it to her. Since that time whenever I see a black silk hat I am always reminded of that lovely woman and her lovely smile.
Her apartment in Vancouver, and her hospital in Penticton, both places that are full of happy memories of our time with her and with you.
Noboru and I offer our deepest sympathies to you, Betty-Jo and Steve, and all the family. We know the pain of losing one you love so much. But we also know Betty Jean is at peace, with that vibrant smile of hers shining down on all of us.
From: Ron & Delores Hutzal
Relation: Friends odf Betty and France Word
We remember Betty very well. She was such an elegant lady, with a warm friendly way and an excellent representative for Jesus. Her faith was an encouragement to us and others many times. She will be missed. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
December 29, 2009
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Oliver Alliance Church
36853 - 99th Street
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T0
A memorial celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday December 29, 2009 at the Oliver Alliance Church followed by a reception at the church reception hall. Urn interment and committal will be held at a later date at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Burnaby, BC.
36853 - 99th Street
Oliver, BC Canada V0H 1T0
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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Flower Fantasy Flowers & Gifts Inc.
6049 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.flowerfantasyoliver.com/
Local: (250) 498-0088 Toll free: (844) 498-0088
Flowers on Main & Reis Boutique
5859 Main Street, Oliver, BC
https://www.oliverflorist.com/
Local: (778) 439-2270 Toll free: (800) 665-9983
Gems and Stems at Eastside
6496 Park Drive, Oliver, BC
https://gemsandstems.com/
(250) 826-0438
Polka Dot Door Floral Design Boutique
8522 Main Street, Osoyoos, BC
https://www.polkadotdoor.net/
(250) 495-2226
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