Elizabeth Louise "Betty" PURKETT

1937 - 2016

PURKETT, Elizabeth Louise "Betty"

Elizabeth Louise Purkett passed away August 21, 2016 at Hospice of Spokane, following a stroke. She was born May 10, 1937 in Yakima, Washington where her family lived on a ranch. Her parents were Frank W. and Louise Young.
While attending Washington State College in Pullman, WA she met her future husband Tom, who was attending college following service in the US Air Force. They were married August 31, 1957, in Sunnyside, WA.
After Tom graduated from Washington State College they moved to California, but soon moved back to Washington, and lived in Spokane where their son's Paul and John grew up. They enjoyed camping, skiing, and holidays with family in Spokane, Idaho, Montana, and the Yakima Valley providing their children with wonderful experiences together.
Betty completed her education at Eastern Washington College, and taught in the Cheney and Spokane School districts for several decades.
After retiring they continued to reside in Spokane where she enjoyed gardening, sewing, embroidery, and quilting.
Betty especially enjoyed time with her grandchildren Andrew and Mary, including longer stays with each, which allowed her to provide them with memories they still cherish to this day. She also enjoyed escaping to quilting stores with her beloved daughter-in-law Beth where they looked for inspiration on their next quilting project.
Betty was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Spokane. Her extended family will always remember the love and joy she provided to all of us, as well as her intellect and determination.
Betty is survived by her husband of 58 years Tom; her brother Frank Young Jr. (Eva); her son's Paul and John (Beth) of Longmont, Colorado; grandchildren Mary and Andrew; and her many nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, and her half
brother Don Folkman.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at St. Augustine Church, 428 W. 19th Ave Spokane, WA.
Our family would like to thank the entire staff, and volunteers of Hospice of Spokane for the care they gave her and the kindness, compassion, and support we were shown during her final days.