Walking On - Betty Jane Garrett

Betty Jane Garrett

May 14, 1928 – March 9, 2016

Tribal Elder Betty Jane Garrett, 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, March 9, at her Shasta Lake, Calif., home surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Bob Garrett; son, Ed Pearsall; six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Ronnie Pearsall, and grandson, Robert Pearsall.

Betty was born May 14, 1928, in Brookings, Ore., to Adeline and Wilbur Haller. She was a resident of Shasta Lake City for 70 years. Betty was a proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

Betty was a compassionate and nurturing woman who cared for many children, animals and friends. She cherished her large family and loved hosting company in her home and making sure they all had plenty to eat. Bette was adored by everyone who knew her, and she will be missed dearly.

Betty asked that this poem be read at her services and it is a great testimony of her loving and kind-hearted spirit.

Miss Me, But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road,

and the sun has set for me.

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little – but not too long,

and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that was once shared.

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the master’s plan, a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know.

Bear your sorrow in good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.

As she wished, her life was celebrated with family and friends sharing stories, laughter and great food. We express our heartfelt thank you to the Grand Ronde Tribal Council, Tribal members and employees for the outpouring of support and prayers during this difficult time for our family. A special thank you to The Lighthouse Church for helping us put together a celebration of her life that Betty would have loved.

Betty was many things to many people. A daughter, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, grandmother and friend. But most of all, Betty was a child of God. “Gone but not forgotten.” She will be missed. Until we meet again. – With loving memories, Ed Pearsall and family.

Services were held at Allen & Dahl in Palo Cedro, Calif., on Sunday March 13, at 1 p.m. A celebration of life potluck followed at the John Beaudet Community Center in Shasta Lake City.