Bette Lou McCullom

Bette Lou McCullom passed away peacefully at her home in Ashland, OR on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the age of 93 years. Her friendship and curiosity for life will be missed by all who knew her. Bette was born to Opal and Lester Roberts on August 9, 1931, in Spokane, Washington. At the age of two, the family moved to Seattle, Washington, where she resided for 91 years. Just recently, she moved to Ashland, Oregon, to be closer to her daughter Louise, where she was excited to experience the adventure of living in a different state-obtaining her state ID, library card, and registering to vote. Bette graduated from Holy Angels High School and kept in touch with her schoolmates throughout her life. She met Doug McCullom on a blind date and married him in 1952. For 67 years, they had a tradition of holding hands every day. Together, they designed and built their family home, where they raised their five children and served as anchors of a lively and active neighborhood community. Bette leaves a legacy of four children: Kathleen (Bob), Tom, Louise, and Karen; nine grandchildren: Andrew, Rebekah (Kevin), Sarah (Mike), Robert, Rachel (David), Sara, Megan, Kristen, and Lauren; and three great-grandchildren: Mylah, Mikey, and a baby girl due in June. In addition, she always cherished the time spent with her extended family, especially her brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Opal; her husband, Doug; her son, John; and her brothers, Dan and Jim. In the 1970s, after her children entered high school, Bette returned to school and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in journalism. She prided herself on being a writer and storyteller-some stories were true, and some she fondly called "whoppers." She found her calling working with young mothers through the St. Francis of Assisi Mom's Connection group. In recognition of her efforts, the parish dedicated an honorary bench in a St. Francis of Assisi church park. This bench offers a quiet place to sit, reflect, and remember a life well lived. The family would like to extend our appreciation to the Ashland Maple Ridge staff and Bette's caregivers, especially Amber and Lo, who welcomed her wholeheartedly and provided unwavering, compassionate, and gentle care. Thank you to the Asante Hospice Team for their extraordinary commitment to providing comfort and solace to both Bette and the family. And finally, thank you to Burien Merrill Gardens, where Bette and Doug were charter members and where Bette thrived for nearly eight years. Doug and Bette traveled every summer to attend the Ashland Shakespeare Festival. During those visits, they found solace at Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church. With Bette's move to Ashland, she found peace and a renewed sense of faith in the embrace of the church community. In lieu of flowers, Bette would appreciate donations to Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church, designated to their program to feed the poor. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bette, please visit our floral store.