Mary Elizabeth Bledsoe

My blessings go out to the family -- it is tough to lose a parent. I have so many fond memories of Besty and Stu -- since I was hired by Stu at the WA Forest Protection Associaiton in 1980, there were many occassions in which Betsy hosted a lovely staff or legislative party at their home on Cooper Point. Or, the pleasure I received when I would house sit for them. Betsy and Stu came to my graduation from the UofW in 1987 and were very much my family away from home, since I had moved to WA right after highschool. I remember Betsy's impeccable taste, her white towels in the bathrom and elegant style. When I think of Betsy I think of Katherine Hepburn -- a gorgeous, outdoorsy, intelligent woman whom I admire. My thoughts go out to the family, and I will always think of Betsy in elegance, in my memory.

I was sorry to hear of Betsy's passing.I have many happy memories of being with your parents on the ranch in Ellensburg. My thoughts are with you.
Joni Sherman
CWSC 1973

Dear Bledsoe Family,
My memories of Betsy Bledsoe begin with a wood-paneled station wagon with "Flying B" emblazoned on the doors, parked outside Safeway in the mid to late 1950s. It took alot of of groceries to feed a family of six plus inlaws and ranch hands, and I remember Betsy loading that rig full to the *brim* with brown shopping bags! Flash forward to 1959 and the Morgan Junior High School graduation and the proud mom Betsy and dad Stu standing next to Mike outside MJHS (where Mike had somehow managed to be sent forward to EHS! My sister was also in that class). The "Woody" was parked on First Avenue; it seemed Betsy was always at the wheel, attending to the varied affairs of 4 Bledsoe kids and Stu's ranching and emergent political career. Flash forward to the mid-60s and Republican politics. When Jan brought me to theFlying B, I was welcomed and became a fixture for a half dozen years; Betsy fed me and enjoyed talking to me about everything from 1930s radio shows (she knew the theme songs to "The Whistler" and many of the soaps) to 13th District doings. Later, in Fall and Winter of 1968-69, I trained for Marine Corps boot camp by running from town to the Flying B and, after a cup of tea with Betsy, back to town again! The 70s came and the Bledsoes left Ellensburg, and we all went our separate ways. But when I saw Betsy at the Bledsoe-Washington Archive Dedication it was like always. I have good memories of her smile, her social skills, and her personal convictions. She was a real Californian, a true Californio. I will pronounce rodeo with a Spanish accent (rodayo) in her honor! When I saw Dede this Fall, I saw Betsy in her face and demeanor. When I saw the picture of Betsy in the Times I saw each of you 'children' in her face. I send my sincere condolences and love to Mike, Mac, Jan, Dede, and their spouses and children and grandchildren.
Your friend always,
Mike Allen
Ellensburg and Tacoma

Dear Dede, Janet, Mac and Mike,

I am so sorry for your loss; your mom was a wonderful, dignified, elegant and great lady; I will miss her. Your mother, through her quiet and constant support, was an example of how unconditional love should function. She showed me how to serve others with joy and selflessness. She exemplified this by her care and loving support of Granny and her loving and cheerful support of mom.

Without your mom in Granny’s life from the years on the Ranch to those final years in Olympia Granny’s life would not have been as rich, independent and full as it was: your mother was Granny’s quiet, but strong and sure foundation. In mom’s final years she valued Betsy’s friendship and good humor, even in the pain that your mom endured she reached out to my mom with encouragement and loving humor. Your mother’s gifts of love were quiet, but strong and enduring gifts of joy.

Your mother was and always will be a great lady and her legacy lives on, especially in you, your children and grandchildren.