Betty Karagianes passed away peacefully in her home on April 19, 2026, at the age of 89.
She was born on February 1, 1937, in the Northern Plains town of Lorraine, ND. As a toddler she
moved with her family to Portland, OR and then to Payette, ID where she graduated from high school
in 1955.

After graduation Betty moved to Boise, ID where she would meet the love of her life, Manuel. She
always recalled that it was a case of love at first sight, and they were married on April 26th, 1957. Over
the next decade they would have 3 children, finish college, start a career, and finally settle in Richland,
WA where they would build a full and rich life with their family.
Betty was a true presence in her community. She volunteered constantly, taught sewing courses
wherever she could, loved her church, and was always ready to provide a helping hand to whomever
needed it. She was a force of nature: passionate, funny, creative, strident and yes opinionated. More
than one conversation would end with someone declaiming, “Oh Betty” or “Oh Mom” or “Oh Yiayia”.

Betty is survived by her sister, Sharlene of Boise, ID, her three children: Kristina of Brookings, OR;
Susan and her partner Brian of Ridgefield, WA; and Tom and his wife Nozipho of Seattle. She also is
survived by her granddaughter, Tembi of Seattle. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents,
and sister.
She will be missed dearly by all who knew her or had the pleasure to be in her company including her
extended family from as far away as South Africa and Eswatini. The world is a much less happy place
without you Yiayia.