Betty Jean Mayo, age 94, a 22-year resident of Lynden, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham.
Mrs. Mayo was born in Seattle on Nov. 29, 1924, to Charles and Nora (Kittelson) Petersen. She graduated from Highline High School in 1942. In 1945 Betty married Robert Mayo, and together they raised two children: Tim Mayo (Melissa) of Bothell and Marcey Mayo Priestman (Dean) of Lynden. The couple lived in Salt Lake City for a time before returning to the Seattle area. While raising their children in Seattle, Betty was highly involved in Bible Study Fellowship. During those years she was blessed with the birth of four grand-babies which became a bright light in her life. Along with being a grandma she jumped into the world of the real estate business and was very successful. Betty and Robert moved to Lynden in 1996 to be close to family that had just moved there. Betty had been an active member of Grace Baptist Fellowship.
Besides her children, Betty is survived by three grandsons: Matt Priestman (Holly) of Lynden, Tom Priestman (Katie) of Yakima and Ryan Priestman of Bellingham; one granddaughter, Amy Mayo Bartnes (Jason) of Puyallup; eight great-grandchildren: Annalise, Lindsey, Jacob, Ryan, Allie, Alex, Isaiah and Logan. She is also survived by her older sister, Leona Stelzner of Seattle, and her good friend, Al Verbarendse.
She was preceded in death (2007) by her beloved husband of 62 years, Robert Mayo.
Visitation will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, in Gillies Funeral Home of Lynden, with a funeral service at 11 a.m., with Pastor Bill Cummins officiating. A reception follows. Interment will be in Monumenta Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to Doctors without Borders.
Arrangements are under the direction of Whidbey Memorial Funeral Home in Oak Harbor, with the cooperation of Gillies Funeral Home. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com or www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
