Betty Balfour

1928 - 2025

Betty Balfour (Moldenhauer) passed away on September 30, 2025, in her home at age 97, with her loving daughter at her side. She was born in Eades, Colorado on January 27, 1928. She and her family moved to Whatcom County that same year, and they settled on a farm on the West Pole Rd. She graduated from Meridian High School where she met her future husband, Melvin James Balfour. Betty and Mel were married in 1946 and had three children; Michael, Michele, and Monte; two grandchildren, Zachary Reimer and Harrison Schuster; and four great grand children, Breanna, Dylan, Caysen, and Piper.

Betty and Mel were married for 68 years, which were full of adventures. They loved to fish, hunt, go camping and traveling with friends and family, and raise their children on Lake Whatcom.

Betty had a gift for acquiring interesting collections and a knack for creating arts and crafts in the "She Shed" Mel built for her. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, baking, and going to garage sales.

She worked as a realtor for many years. Upon retiring she volunteered in the gift shop at St. Francis and enjoyed buying trips, assisting customers and creating beautiful displays for 28 years.

Betty was known for the love for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and family, her warmth, kindness, sense of humor and non judgmental acceptance of others. Everyone was "welcome" at Betty's and she opened her home to many on holidays with her generous hospitality.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, her eight siblings, her beloved husband Mel, and her two sons Michael and Monte. She is survived by her devoted daughter Michele, son-in-law Jim Schuster, grandchildren and great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us for a "Celebration of Life " open house anytime between 1-4 p.m. on November 8, at Betty's home 1543 Geneva St. Bellingham, WA. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may be made to Dementia Support Northwest and/or Whatcom Hospice.