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 Lou Hunsaker passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2026, in Vancouver, Washington, at the age of 91. She was born on May 8, 1935, in Seattle, Washington, to Deta and Rolf Johnson. Betty’s parents and three older brothers moved from Seattle to White Salmon, Washington, when she was 6 months old.
Betty graduated from Columbia High School in 1953 and married her high school sweetheart, Frank Hunsaker, on Oct. 18 that same year. They grew up as neighbors, and their marriage was a loving partnership of 59 years, until Frank’s passing in 2012. Betty spent nearly her entire life in the same home and together with Frank created a space filled with memories, laughter, and love. They had four children and built a close family grounded in strong values and kindness.
Betty began her career as a clerk at Brown’s Bargains and then worked for many years as a paralegal in White Salmon. She loved her job, but Betty found greater joy in family and her community that she was proud to call home. She loved sewing, cooking, reading, puzzles, playing cards, traveling, attending church and singing in the choir and watching Hallmark movies and soap operas.
Betty, also known as Mom, Grandma, and Ma, accepted people as they were. She welcomed everyone with an open heart. She was deeply loved and cherished by her family and all who knew her.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Rolf and Deta Johnson; her brothers, Ray, Dale, and Morris; and her beloved husband, Frank Hunsaker.
She leaves behind a family who will carry her memory: her children Carla Howard and husband Jim, Geri Jacobs and husband Chuck, Bill Hunsaker and wife Kath, and Kathy Gilderhus and husband Mike; grandchildren Chad, Angela, Jake, Brandi, Kyle, Scott, Jaimie, Alice, Andrea, Rob, Kristen, Danielle, and Haley; as well as 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Her legacy is the family she helped build, the traditions she created, and the love she gave. She will be remembered at family gatherings, in holiday ornaments, favorite songs, card games, recipes, laughter, and all the traditions that will continue because of her.
Betty was the heart of her family, and she will be deeply missed. Her love will remain with them always.
A memorial service will be held at Bethel Congregational Church at 2 p.m. on Oct. 18. She will be laid to rest at White Salmon Cemetery with her beloved husband Frank.
To plant a tree in memory of Betty Hunsaker as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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