Obituary of Irene Leona Betcher

Irene L. Betcher Irene Leona Betcher, age 87, died peacefully on February 18, 2016, surrounded by family. She was born October, 30, 1928 in Los Angeles, CA to Murray and Rose Eagle. Her mother died when Irene was 18, and at age 21, Irene travelled north with a girl friend, heading to Alaska for adventure. Needing money, they stopped in Seattle where Irene worked as a bookkeeper. While there in 1953, she met and married country boy Robert F. Betcher. She never went to Alaska. Robert Bob and Irene moved to Chesaw, WA to start a wheat and cattle ranch. Later, Robert got a job as a bridge engineer for the state of Oregon and they moved several places in Oregon and Washington with Bob's bridge and roadwork jobs until they finally settled in Camas in 1971. There, Irene lived most of the rest of her life, raised four children, and worked as a real estate broker for around 30 years. She was known for her gentleness, yet feisty and teasing disposition. She was concerned about others and was very generous. She enjoyed and bragged about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was dearly loved by all. She is survived by 3 of her children—Darlene Naffin and her husband LeRoy, Chris Betcher and his wife Tracie, Rosie Jones and her husband Daron, and daughter-in-law Siri Betcher; 19 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way; her brother Bill Eagle and his wife Claudia; and her brother-in-law Leo Kellis. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Robert Betcher, her son Adam Betcher, and her sister Lorrie Kellis. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 27, 3 p.m. at Fairgate Estate Assisted Living in Camas, WA. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book, visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.