Bette VanAusdal

1930 - 2024

Bette Catherine Van Ausdal, age 93, of Everett, WA passed away after a brief illness on December 3, 2023, at Providence Hospital in Everett, WA. She was born September 10, 1930, in Sutter Creek, CA to James Kenneth Van Ausdal and Verga (Virgie) Morris.

At the age of 9 years old, Virgie and Bette moved to Arlington, Washington. Vergie's sister introduced Virgie to Magnus. After courting and many dances, they married in 1938. Bette graduated from Arlington High School in 1948. She maintained lifelong friendships with her high school classmates.

Bette left Washington state and went off to college in California. After graduating from college with a bachelor's degree, Bette's first position was with the State of California. In 1969, Bette became employed with the US Foreign Services as an administrative secretary. She would see the world and travel extensively to countries such as: Iran, Turkey, Washington D.C., Switzerland, Guinea Bissau (West Africa), Tunisia, Syria, Sierra Leone (West Africa), Burundi (Central East Africa), and Belize (Central America). After 25 years with the foreign service, she retired and returned to the Arlington area to take care of Mag and Virgie.

After Mag's passing and Virgie moved into an assisted living community, Bette bought a condominium and moved to the Everett area. Being a friendly, outgoing person and not one to sit idle, Bette involved herself with community events and volunteerism- the City of Everett as a concierge (eventually merging with the Snohomish County Travel Bureau), the Senior Center in Everett, the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Museum in Arlington, Stillaguamish Valley Genealogy Society, the Village Theater, and the Loyal Heights Community Club.

Bette knew relationships were like gardens which needed tending and maintenance. She kept in regular contact with classmates, relatives, and friends. She enjoyed phone chats, outings, informal and formal entertaining with friends and family. She had a witty sense of humor and would send emails with hilarious anecdotes about growing old. She was an avid reader exchanging books regularly with family and friends. A lover of sweets and ice cream, the dairy industry will mourn her passing as many ice cream containers were found while cleaning out the freezer.

Bette was a beautiful, kind, vibrant, and enthusiastic person. She cared deeply for the people around her. When Bette entered a room, her smile would light up the whole room. She made a lasting impact on many lives. Bette's passing has left a void and will be missed greatly by family and friends.

An open house to celebrate Bette's life will be March 16th at 11:30a.m. to 3:00p.m. at the Loyal Heights Community Club, 4305 269th Place NE, Arlington, WA 98223. In lieu of flower, please donate to a charity of your choice.