Betty Lautenschlager

Betty passed away in Gresham on Feb 25, 2020 at age 89. Born in Portland to Harold and Elizabeth Nicholas, Betty graduated from Grant High School and went to work for Electrical Sign Products where she met a young sign designer, Harley Lautenschlager.  A romance developed, the two married in 1951, raised four children and shared a remarkable 68 year marriage.

Betty stayed home when the kids were young to run the household and keep everyone on track with school and activities.  She later worked as co-leader of a berry picking crew, partnered in a house-cleaning venture, provided accounting for Harley's graphic design business, and found a perfect niche as Library Aide in the local grade school. Betty was an excellent organizer of birthday and holiday celebrations, picnics at Dodge Park, beach trips, and fun outings with extended family. She and Harley also loved getting away just the two of them to the Oregon coast, Reno,  an evening out to dinner, square dancing, and parties.

Betty loved playing games and cards, reading, gardening, walking, flower arranging and bird watching. She enjoyed book club, Bunco group, and was a longtime member of TOPS, serving as weight recorder for over 25 years. Betty was a gifted needlework artist specializing in embroidery and counted cross stitch. Her exquisite creations included framed pieces, linens, and baby blankets that she generously gifted to others and displayed in her home.

In their later years, Betty and Harley created a beautifully landscaped yard that included flowering perennials, ornamental trees, whimsical animal carvings, and a delightful Garden House where they would sit, look out upon the fruits of their labor, sip coffee in the morning or a glass of wine at sunset. They enjoyed travels to Hawaii, Mexico, and Germany as well as countless trips to California to visit son Paylor and family.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brother Harold, and granddaughter Amber Joy. She is survived by her husband, Harley, daughter April (Bob), son Mark (Patti), daughter Robin (Mike), son Paylor (Teresa), eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, and a large extended family. Betty's fun-loving spirit, wonderful sense of humor, beauty and loving heart touched so many. She is missed dearly but her memory will always shine. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory may be made to Doernbecher Children's Hospital.