Obituary: Carter, Betty Lou (Hilborn)
She was born on February 20, 1928 in Portal, North Dakota, the only daughter of Henry Hilborn and Mavis Hilborn (Warner).
Living a long and full life, she was preceded in death by both parents; her brother, Homer “Bud” Hilborn of Spokane; her husband, Jim Carter of Saratoga Springs, NY; and numerous friends and family.
She is survived by her daughter, Lynda Garlick of Spokane; her son, James Carter of Spokane; three grandchildren, Zack, Layne, and Ben; and a host of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Growing up in North Dakota, Betty lived most of her adult life in Los Angeles, CA, and Spokane.
As a long-time Spokane resident, Betty was an active member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church for many years.
She proudly volunteered much of her time and supported local organizations, such as Hospice of Spokane, Ogden Hall, Union Gospel Mission, Camp Lutherhaven, and Riverview Retirement Community, serving as a board member for many years.
In her earlier years, she worked in numerous professions; a switchboard operator at Geiger Field (where she met her husband, Jim), a homemaker, a real estate investor, a restaurant and business owner, and more.
Betty simply loved life.
She embraced every person, place, and experience that her life brought her.
She was a woman who traveled the world, relished adventure, and was a passionate believer in the life lessons that could only be gained through experience.
She was a liver of moments, and tried to live her life so that it would be “just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day.”
Those she leaves behind will undoubtedly recall her unconditional love, hold tight to the virtues and values which she embodied, and feel a sense of gratitude in having shared a life with her.
Betty will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, a dedicated friend, and a woman of ardent faith.
The family would like to thank the staff at both Deaconess Hospital and ManorCare for their kindness, care, and attention.
A memorial service celebrating Betty’s life will be held on Saturday, July 27th at 2:00 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Spokane.