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Betty Jean Ghirardo
03/23/1922 — 02/14/2008
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Missoula, Montana
Betty Jean Ghirardo
Betty Ghirardo
Betty Jean Hodson Ghirardo, 85 beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and companion died Thursday, February 14, 2008. She was surrounded by her family when she peacefully passed away.
Betty was born in Missoula, Montana on March 23, 1922. She graduated from Missoula County High School and the University of Montana majoring in Business. She married Lewis Barlow Ghirardo in New York City on June 16, 1943 just before he shipped out on the U. S. S. California during World War II. Betty returned to Missoula and joined Barlow in San Francisco at the end of the war. She and Barlow moved to Richland, Washington in 1948 with their daughter Gail where they set up business in the Richland “Y” as the Spudnut Shop and later moved the Spudnut Shop to Uptown Richland, where it remains a family business in the capable hands of their youngest daughter, Valerie.
Betty was a homemaker and after her children were grown, she went to work in the accounting office at The Joint Center for Graduate Study eventually retiring to spend time traveling with family and friends.
She was an active and dedicated member of Christ the King Church who found great solace in her faith.
Betty enjoyed playing thousands of games of cribbage, bridge, sewing, and volunteering at the Kadlec Hospital Auxiliary where she made “port-a-pockets” and “pom-poms” for the newborn baby hats. Betty was a die-hard Seattle Mariners’ fan and watched college basketball games almost every night when they were on. Her favorite teams were the WSU Cougs and Duke Blue Devils.
Betty is predeceased by her mother and father, Dale and May Hodson, two sisters Edna Hodson and Louise Janssen and her husband, Lewis Barlow Ghirardo, who passed away in May of 1987. She leaves behind five children, Gail Dennis Maguire Pasco, Sharon David “Doc” Kimble Palouse, Mary Orlan Svingen Pullman, Val Doug Driver Richland, and Kevin Helen Ghirardo Richland; 16 grandchildren, Sean Joe, Michael Meghan, Brian Katharine, Jeremy Rachael, Lindsey, Gerik, Vanessa, Dominique, Amy Chris, Alicia Brian, Anna, Dominick, Joseph, Isabella, Gianina and Maria; one great grandson, McColley and Betty’s good friend and companion Gordon Halseth.
Betty was a woman with great strength who fought many health battles throughout her life. She was a very resilient and dedicated fighter until her heart finally gave out. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Kadlec Hospital for their care of Betty during her final days. Their care and concern made her passing more peaceful. Also, the family sends a special thank you to Dr. Zuroske and his staff for their patience with and kindness toward Betty and her family.
We will miss you Mom but we know that you are with Dad and that both of you are watching over all of us. We will see you in heaven. God bless you. Your loving family.
Visitation will be held on Friday February 22, 2008 from 3:00pm until the Rosary at 7:00pm at Einan’s Funeral Home in Richland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday February 23, 2008 at 11:00am at Christ the King Catholic Church followed by a graveside at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland. The family would like to invite you to the Spudnut Shop for a reception immediately following the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ the King School and/or Tri Cities Prep.
She was my beautiful aunt. She and Barlow took me into their home and taught me about business managment. I loved working at the Spudnut shop. God bless all my cousins and family.
Betty was like a second mother to me. I always considered myself a Ghirardo. I always opened my gifts on Christmas quickly so I could race over to your house. You guys always had the best dolls and toys.You had three channels on your t.v.. so I had to go over to your house to see my favorite shows. Remember Pinky Lee, Micky Mouse Club, Queen For A DAy. Drive In movies with the little ones asleep in the back of the Pontiac station wagon. Grass did not grow on the path between my house and yours.I was always thankful for the influence she had on my formative years.Way more memories too numerous to mention in this space. Via Con Dios Mrs. Ghirardo…mom.
My Friend Betty
My husband and I have had the pleasure of knowing the Ghirardo family over 50 years. We had many memorable times with both Betty and Barlow. Betty and I worked together over l0 years at the Joint Center for Graduate Study. Most every week, we played bridge and enjoyed many other get-togethers, including trips to Sun River, Sun Valley, Wapato Point and Las Vegas.
Betty will be remembered as always having a beautiful smile, and I feel so fortunate for having her as one of my dearest friends for all these years. I will miss her always.
Marge Yesberger
Our Dear Ghirardo Family,
Our prayers are with you as your celebrate your beautiful mothers life. She lived inward-outward beauty in her daily actions, her brilliant smile, quiet demeanor and the spiritual and corporal values she instilled ~ so evident in you and your children. Each of you bears her legacy of love and devotion, hard work and fun-at-play, discipline and grace. We celebrate Betty and her testament to all the fine qualities of Mother. May she rest in peace and joy with Barlow and all the generations gone before. Be kind to one another and share your love with the world. God bless each of you.
Don and Theresa Morton
So sorry to hear of your loss Your mom was a kind beautiful lady.
Dear Ghirardo Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are praying that God will watch over all of you and give you strength in this difficult time. Talk about your Mom often. Remember all of the memories that you each had with her and hold them always close to your hearts. May God’s peace be with all of you.
God Bless,
Frank, Tracy, LeAnn, Nicholas and Amanda Becker.
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you and I am sorry I will not be there to celebrate her life with you.
Our prayers are with you and your family. May you know that God’s presence is with you and your family in this difficult time. Love to you
Heartfelt condolences to the family members. Steve, Michelle and family.
Sory we will not be able to attend the funeral, but know that our hearts go out to you, it is never easy to lose a parent. We hold you in our prayers. Jerry, Laura, Cristina and James Edward.
Gail & family,
My sincerest thoughts with the loss of your Mother. I will always remember your parents from the old CK days.
Byrne
Dear Val,
I am so sorry for your loss.Your mom was a really sweet lady and always made me feel at home when we were family. Please tell your sisters and kevin I am very sorry.If there is anything I can do for you please don’t hesitate call me. You were always my dad’s favorite daughters
God Bless,
RoxanneSouthardJenkins
Betty was a good friend that we enjoyed immensely. My parents, Al & Nancy Morgenthaler, cruised the Panama Canal with Betty & Gordy and they frequently played bridge together. I enjoyed visiting with her during my many visits from Alaska and got a kick out of her delight at beating Gordy at cribbage. She had a great sense of humor. Words can’t say enough. Betty was a good friend that we will sincerely miss.
With loving memory,
Boyd & Kathryn Morgenthaler
I REMEMBER BETTY AS A VERY
CHARMING LADY AND ENJOYED
BRIDGE GAMES WITH HER. SHE
WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. AND I
AM SO SORRY OF YOUR LOSS.
LEU
Whenever Betty walked into the Spudnut Shop to help Val with the finances or to visit with family and friends, she always had the most beautiful smile. It was contagious! Whenever she smiled, I couldn’t help but smile! Through this smile, I could see all of the joy that she felt about her loved ones and the good times at the Spudnut Shop. She had such an angelic presence about her and she was a sweetheart! I know that she will continue to watch over her caring family from above. May God bless the Ghirardo family and Betty’s close friend, Gordy. May He also bring you all peace and comfort.
Love,
Jessica Lund
Betty, you were a dear sister-in-law whom Andy and I have known and loved since we were 14 years old. Our lives have been intertwined ever since. We so loved how Mary and Gail would bring you over for visits at our place. Over 60 years centered around our warm conversations with a glass of wine, sharing memories of the past. Memories of the heart that we can continue when we meet you and Barlow again. See you in heaven. We love you and miss you……. Bev and Andy Kafentzis
Aunt Betty, as your niece, some of my fondest memories growing up are of you and uncle Barlow. This world lost a beautiful smile and the kindest heart on Saint Valentine’s Day. Now Aunt Betty, you are a heavenly saint. You didn’t have a mean bone in your tiny little body and your example should inspire all of us who knew and loved you to follow your lead. Your cherry pies, made from the tree in your backyard, inspired Fred and me to plant our own cherry trees 30 years ago so I could make pies just like you! Thank goodness we planted more than one because your great nephews, “The Hinkle Boys”, chopped one down when they were little! I cherish the quilt you made for me a few years ago and won’t let anyone use it. I remember you were so impressed when you saw the Christmas tree I made for mom and dad one year, that I made you one. I hope you found joy in it as I do your quilt. I can never express how much the last few years meant to Fred, me and the boys when Mary and her family would bring you by to see us. How lucky we were. Attending my grandson Dominic’s baby shower was an event I’ll never forget. You were his only great aunt there! My favorite recent memory, and mom’s, is the picture of you holding baby Dominic at my house. An angel holding an angel. God Bless you, Aunt Betty. Love…Michele Kafentzis-Hinkle, Fred, Marc, Mike, Nicolas,and Dominic Hinkle…..Nikke and Bri.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I have known Betty and Barlow for all these many years.Worked with Betty for a number of years.
There’s not a nicer person I have ever met. Betty Always had a smile for whom ever she met. I was, and have always been prowed to have her as a friend.
Our sadness, and prayers go;s with the family at your loss, and knowing she is now back with Barlow and at peace.
Our love and prayers to the family. Frank and Pat Trent.
Val & Kevin
I want to send you my utmost prayers and sympathy for this loss of a wonderful woman…I
know you understand that she will be in great hands now, and you both will carry on the pride and glory of the family……..I am always here for you both…love you both.
Val, Doug & family:
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your Mom.
Gail: Thinking of you these past days, and hope you know that your mom is now safe in heaven, with God and yes, dad. I lost my mother a couple of years ago – the loss is without description. I pray for you and your family, that peace comes to you.
Louise M. Moyers
Val and family, so sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, but so glad to know she is with your dad in a better place. We had such good times going to Bomber’s basketball tourneys many years ago. And, of course, going to the Spudnut Shop all through the years.
God bless you all with wonderful memories until you meet again.
Val & Family – I was so sorry to read in the Sandstorm about your mom’s passing. My heartfelt sympathy & several prayed rosaries are being sent to you over the miles. I know that my folks and all the Christ the King family were there to happily greet Betty on her arrival in paradise! May all your wonderful & special memories of your mom be there to sustain you during this sad time.
Love & Prayers,
Darlene Napora Shuley
Bomber Class of ’69
We were so very lucky to have lived across Alder Street from Barlow and Betty. There are so many memories I have around them such as the pickup truck always filled with empty Spuddie boxes, the smiles and hellos across the street.. there are alot more but I won’t use up all the space! To the family left behind: How totally blessed you were as a family and I’m sorry for your loss.
Val Doug & Family – Sorry to have learned that your Mother passed. Since my Mom passed on Feb. 4, 2008, I know the heartache and emptiness you are experiencing in association with her loss; but, at the same time you are remembering more of the good times and being thankful for the time you had with your Mother! Those memories will keep her alive in your life for the rest of your life!
Maybe our Moms are talking to one another over a Spudnut and Pepsi?! After all, Heaven does have a Spudnut Shop…doesn’t it?
Love,
Lee
Dear Ghirardo Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss. It seems the old neighborhood keeps losing more and more of our precious people. I’ll always remember Betty with that smile. She was always such a pleasant person. Take care.
Mike Davis
Kevin and Val,
we are so sorry to hear about your mom. I always enjoyed her wonderful smile and kind and gentle nature. Our prayers are with you and the rest of your family.
Guestbook for
Betty Jean Ghirardo