Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Betty Jean Bjerke, 86, died Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, at her residence in Hood River.
She was born July 31, 1927, in Salem, Ore., to Earl and Lillie (Bowden) Colburn.
She grew up in Salem, Ore., also living in Nehalem, Manzanita, Rose Lodge and as of 1963 making her home here locally.
She graduated from Nehalem High School. She then began working as a phone operator, meeting her husband who was a lineman. She also worked at Diamond Fruit and Hood River Inn.
She married Andrew “Bud” Leland Bjerke June 1, 1946. They went their separate ways in 1969. He died in 1980. In 1979, she became involved with her life companion Pete Tanner of Hood River.
She enjoyed crochet, knitting, gardening, traveling and as of this last year she and Pete traveled the US and Canada in their motorhome, selling it in 2008 for a dodge van. She quilted lap robes for the veterans living at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles, was a member of the Hood River Saddle Club and was a scout mom for the Boy Scouts when her sons were young.
She is survived by her companion of 34 years Pete Tanner, her three children Stanley G. Bjerke, Gresham, Ore.; Sandy Carter and spouse John, Canby, Ore.; Buz Bjerke and spouse Brenda, Sheridan, Ore.; six grandchildren: Brad, Shon, Tony, Jessica, Miranda, Jac; and eight great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Providence Volunteer Services for premature babies knitted afghans.
The family is planning a private ceremony along with inurnment at Pine Grove Butte Cemetery of Hood River. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Condolences may be left online at www.Andersons
