Kristie Liddle

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Kristie Bettis Liddle. Kristie age 63 of Albany Oregon went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House in Albany, Oregon. She was born July 25, 1962, in Des Moines, Iowa, a daughter of the late Richard Bettis and Norma Wiles Bettis.

During her journey of 63 years, she touched many lives with her boundless energy, humor and an unwavering spirit of perseverance. Her remarkable life will always be an inspiration, a testament to the power of an indomitable spirit enthused with curiosity and resilience.

She had a passion for discovering new things and exploring new horizons. This spirit which characterized her life translated into her professional career where she was known for her work ethic, and commitment to others.

Kristie began her professional career with Farmland insurance in Des Moines. Next, she worked weekend package shifts for over 11 years in the emergency room at Mercy Medical Center also in Des Moines Iowa.

Her professional career path changed again when her husband’s job saw the family move to Pacific Northwest and Oregon. Kristie undeterred learned and mastered a new industry which led her to her final role as a field operations manager at Oregon State University.

Her outstanding work during the global pandemic was cited in an article by the Oregon State University newsroom which noted that typical went out the window for Kristie as the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded. The article, referencing unsung heroes, opined Kristie had been the linchpin, helping keep transportation services running with flexibility and creativity, handling unanticipated requests. She represented her entire team exceptionally well on campus during the global pandemic. She continued to faithfully work remote and full time after her cancer diagnosis.

Kristie’s preference for the color purple was indicative of her rich character - loving, caring, and always happy. Her love of the mountains and specifically the ocean bloomed during her years in Oregon and her favorite place was the ocean shore. On one occasion she was delighted to steer a boat out beyond the breakers hesitantly relinquishing control back to the captain. Another ocean shore visit to the Newport Oregon Coast Aquarium saw a delighted Kristie kissed by the locally renowned seal Boots.

After being diagnosed with stage four, inoperable bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma), Kristie fought with unwavering courage and grace for over 38 months. Her faith in God and Jesus Christ was a quiet but consistent part of Kristie’s life. Throughout her life, she found strength in the gospel and maintained a personal devotion that was steady, and sincere.

Kristie was preceded in death by her father Richard Bettis and her older sister Sheryl Bettis Gruber. Kristie is survived by her husband Joe, daughter Rachel Liddle, two stepsons Jim and David Liddle and her mother Norma Bettis along with extended family and friends.

At Kristie’s request a celebration of life in Des Moines, Iowa is being coordinated and arranged by her daughter Rachel in the very near future. A wide publication of the date time, and location will occur shortly and promptly upon the confirmation of the details.