Betty Jean Wickersham, of Richland, WA, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Born on May 26, 1935, in Havre, Montana, to Lessie and Ingvald Aardal, Betty was the youngest of five children. Living on the ranch, in Havre, she had vivid memories of buffalo stampeding on the open plains.  Her family then moved to Pacific City, California, during World War II where she experienced rolling blackouts and witnessing the arrest of a German spy living above them. The family later relocated to Walla Walla, and eventually to Richland, WA, where Betty met the love of her life, Raymond, at the age of 14.

Betty graduated from Richland High in 1953 and went on to Washington State University to pursue a career as a gym teacher. During her time at WSU, she was an avid athlete, playing field hockey and even traveling to Canada for a championship game. After three years at WSU, she left to marry Raymond. They settled in Richland, WA, where they raised their three children, Terry, Deanna, and Nancy.  In 1970, they moved to North Bend, Oregon for 4 years where they learned about deep sea fishing, crabbing, steelheading and Betty particularly enjoying the ocean despite the challenges of crossing the bar.  After moving back to the Tri-Cities in 1974, Betty and Ray loved spending their free time coaching girls fastpitch softball, camping and fishing.

Betty dedicated 35 years to the Richland School District, retiring at the age of 75. She began her career as a para-educator and later became the beloved secretary of Jason Lee Elementary, where she had the joy of seeing her grandchildren pass through the halls and recounting their escapades. Though she briefly worked to open Wiley Elementary, her heart remained with Jason Lee, and she returned after three years.

A devoted Disney enthusiast, Betty also worked part-time at the Disney Store in Columbia Center Mall. Creating many cherished memories and mementos that continue to bring smiles to her family. She treasured family trips to Disney World in 1999 and Disneyland in 1979 and 2004.

Betty is survived by her son Terry Wickersham, daughters Deanna Lomax and Nancy Roe; grandchildren Heidi Wickersham (Scott Brauer), April Wickersham (Ryan Covert), Aaron Wickersham, Britni (Torre) Swenson, Jessie (Jake) Calderon, Julia Roe (Eric Denekamp), Brooke Roe, and Saveta Lomax; and great-grandchildren Zoe, Jaxon, Parker, Landen, Liv, Aubry, Emma, Izzy, Solomon, Eli, June, and Brooks. She is also remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Raymond Wickersham, her parents Lessie and Ingvald Aardal, her brothers Lloyd (Nina) Aardal and Harold (Dorothy) Aardal, her sisters Audrey (Bob) Pittman and Donna Mae (Lee) Turner, and her parents-in-law Kate and Ernest Wickersham.

A viewing will be held at Einan’s on Friday, November 22, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The graveside service will take place on Saturday, November 23, at 12:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m.  at Einan’s Event Center. Reception will follow the Celebration of Life at Einan’s Event Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tri-City Girls Fastpitch Softball Association or the American Cancer Society.