Elizabeth May Shope

Elizabeth Shope Obituary

Elizabeth "Betty" May (Nixon) Shope, 83, received her angel wings on January 13, 2011 in Blaine, Washington surrounded by her family. She was born April 23, 1927 in Astoria, OR. The family moved to Oroville, CA shortly after, returning to Astoria in 1939. Betty graduated from Astoria High School in 1945 and married Howard Shope who was an Army serviceman. They lived in Astoria raising their children until they moved to Blaine in 1962. Betty worked at a fish cannery in Astoria and later became a certified key punch operator on an IBM computer that was larger than most rooms. She drove bus for Blaine School District for 21 years, often volunteering in the reading program. After retirement in 1987, she continued to work as a substitute in the school kitchens. Betty enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, crafting, ceramics, cooking and traveling. Betty's greatest joy in life was her family. Her vacations were spent with family, usually with grandchildren joining along in the fun. She always had open arms to rock and hug her great-grandchildren. Betty is survived by her husband of 65 years Howard, daughter Linda Thompson of Blaine, son Stephen (Sharon) Shope of Kelso; grandchildren Becky (Eric), Christie (Casey), Melissa (Scott), Paul (Timery), Beth (Franky) and Jeremy (Jaclyn); great-grandchildren Katie, Zachary, Taylor, Zane, Kolton, Ryan, Andrew, Emily, Isabell, Marena, Brayden and Jillian, brother Richard Nixon (Pam) of Astoria and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Ina (Phillips) Nixon, brother Bill Nixon and half-brother James Phillips. A special thanks from the family to Betty's recent helpers - care-giver Linda B. and many caring Hospice staff. Services will be held on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at Grace Lutheran Church in Blaine, WA at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice or a favorite charity. Please sign the Book of Memories, light a candle and leave condolences for the family at www.JernsFuneralChapel.net. Jerns Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services Blaine, WA

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Published by Bellingham Herald from Jan. 18 to Jan. 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Shope

8 Entries

January 21, 2011

'Linda & Family,' My family & myself want you all to know that our 'Hearts' go out to you all & we will keep you in our 'Prayer's!'
Sarah (Sally Thompson) Paulsen & Family --Blaine, Wash.
Geo. L. Thompson Family --Cashmere, Wash. (Blaine, Wash.)

gayla kramme

January 20, 2011

Linda & family,
I had the honor of driving school bus with Betty. She taught me so much about how to drive, and watch out for the children. As you all well know, she was a wonderful woman. Blaine has lost

Bill and Patsy Baldwin

January 20, 2011

We will always remember Betty as a kind and generous person who made the world a better place just by being here. Linda, may you and your family take comfort in knowing that your mom had the support of a wonderful family. She will be missed.

January 20, 2011

Steve, Sharon & Family cherish all the good memories... We are thinking of you at this time & always, Doug & Maxine (Kelso)

January 19, 2011

"I remember helping the family move to Blaine from Astoria, and will miss seeing Betty, waving to me from the livingroom window, as I pass by on Sunday mornings, walking our dog. Paula and I both pray God will comfort you all through this hard time." Mike and Paula Smith, Blaine Wa.

Luanne Johnson

January 19, 2011

True, Betty treasured her family most. It makes me smile to think back and remember that, although devoted to her family, sometimes, Mother/Grandmother Betty got her licks in, but always with love and humor! You all mattered so much to her and it is with fond memories that I send up a sincere prayer for your hearts to be filled with peace and joy as you pay tribute to a very special lady, Betty, this Thursday.
God's blessings, Luanne and Family

Deb Halldorson

January 18, 2011

Linda and family, In my thoughts about your mom, the things I remember most are her ready laughter and the obvious love she had for the children in her life. We are all fortunate for her mentoring, I join you in pausing to reflect on her generous spirit and a life of quiet service.

Kim Irwin-Schnackenberg

January 18, 2011

I am sorry to hear of Mrs. Shope's passing. There are very fond memories of 12 years when she would pick me up at the bus stop. She would always greet us with a good morning & a smile. She was my favorite bus driver ever!

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