Bette Jeanne Nicholson Bette Jeanne Nicholson went home to her Lord on October 4th, 2024. She was born on June 1st 1933, at the family home on Park Avenue in Buckley, Washington.

Bette Jeanne was the eldest child of Arthur and Mildred Borell. Bette attended Buckley School and graduated in 1951 as valedictorian from White River High school (Buckley, WA). She was awarded the first IOOF Scholarship in 1951 presented at the state convention in Tacoma by Governor is Arthur B. Langlie. Bette graduated from the University of Washington in Business Administration with an emphasis on insurance in 1957 and was a member of the Business Honorary. She was also a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority.

In 1956, Bette married her high school Sweetheart, Donald P. Nicholson. A son, Donald jr., was born to them on March 20th, 1962.

In 1963, the family moved to Enumclaw where Donald Sr. followed his accounting career with Moulder & Sons. In 1979, Donald and Bette were divorced.

Bette had a new career in insurance and risk management, including employment at Mutual of Enumclaw, American Heritage corporation, and the corporate insurance and risk management department of Weyerhauser Company, where she retired after 25 years of service. While at Weyerhauser, Bette completed advanced study and received her Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and associate in Rick Management (ARM) designation.

Bette was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, first in Buckley and then later at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Enumclaw where she was an Elder and later Clerk of Session, serving more than 22 years, including many chairmanships. Her church association was dear to her, and she enjoyed serving any way she could.

Bette was a 65-year member of the Order of Eastern Star. She served as an honorary matron in 1964, serving Pierce and Thurston County. Bette was a member of PEO from 2001 on and enjoyed the philanthropic work of furthering women’s education.

In all, these activities Bette thrived on the friendships formed and the ability to give to others. Bette was preceded in death by her parents, sister Elaine Hawkins, brother John Borell and son, Donald Nicholson Jr. She is survived by her two grandchildren, Richard “Ricky” Nicholson, Rebekka (Ryan) Armstrong and great-grandchildren, Kenalee and Finnigan. Also surviving are sister Kay Skogan, nephew Eric (Kelsey) Skogan and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial is scheduled for 1 pm on October 26th 2024 at Calvary Presbyterian Church on Porter Street in Enumclaw.