Betty Lorraine Erdman

June 29, 1931  –  July 30, 2021

Betty Lorraine Erdman (Morrison), age 90, was born June 29, 1931, in Vancouver, B.C.  She passed away July 30, 2021 in Kirkland, WA.

Predeceased by her brother, Lyle Morrison, Betty is survived by her loving husband, Richard, four children Bonnie Erdman (Skip), Sharon Peterson (Marty), Mark Erdman (Linda), Jack Cachero (Jez), and four grandchildren (Konnor, Laurel, Sarah & Cameron).

At the age of one, Betty lost her birth mother and was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Rose and Bob Morrison.  Betty lived various places in her early years, moving to Montana, Alaska, and eventually to Washington state. She met Jesus as her personal Savior in junior high and never looked back.  She devoted her life to sharing Jesus with others–first her friends, and then to anyone she met along her life’s journey.

Graduating from Garfield High School in 1949, Betty decided to pursue a career in teaching.  Diagnosed with cancer at the age of 21, Betty lost her left leg above the knee.  The doctor that removed the leg wept as he removed it, and kept in contact with Betty the remainder of his life.

Betty and Richard Erdman

The loss of her leg did not stop Betty.  She finished her college degree, went on to teach for a year, marry Richard, whom she met at a Navigator’s meeting, study another year in Bible School, and then had three children.

After her children were born, Betty decided to pursue a career selling World Book Encyclopedia.  She spent the next 28 years reaching out to parents to sell a product that would educate their children and foster reading and learning.  She quickly rose as a leader in the business, selling World Book at the Puyallup Fair, to friends and family, and even to Spelling Bee winners she found in the local paper.  Betty was an outstanding saleswoman, winning numerous trips, awards, and prizes.  Late in life, Betty commented that her most fulfilling job was selling World Book.  Through this product, she was able to reach many families and help educate children.

Upon retirement from World Book, Richard and Betty spent many years traveling.  With her one leg, Betty swam in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, toured the art museums in France, and took many cruises throughout the Caribbean.  It was on these cruises that Betty often shared her love of singing and Jesus.  She would sing Amazing Grace, but would become teary part way through.  The audience would chime in and help her finish.

Chelan, WA, was another favorite place for Betty and Richard.  Betty would drive their trailer over to Chelan, often inviting many young people to come and spend time.  With one leg, Betty learned to waterski, ride a bike, and was even carried to the top of Chelan Slidewaters, going down one of the four big slides, whooping all the way!

Betty was an optimist and a fighter.  She was an advocate for the handicapped and for children.  Her early years of loss and hardship shaped her into a woman who was driven, yet compassionate.  She loved to laugh, share stories, and never let her handicap ‘handicap’ her.

She will be dearly missed here by friends and family, but they are confident she is in heaven, dancing on two legs with Jesus, which is what she had been waiting for.

Betty’s body was buried at the Evergreen Washelli Cemetery on August 11, in a private family ceremony.  A Celebration of Life in her honor will be hosted by the family on Saturday, September 11 at 2pm at www.EastsideChurch.org in Bothell, WA in the Lodge.

Please share your memories of Betty on this page or reach out to the family directly.

In memory of Betty, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ThinkSmall Foundation (www.thinksmallfoundation.org) (Gary & Paula Hays) or to Focus on the Family (www.focusonthefamily.com)  Thank you.