Obituary: Van Hees, Betty J.
Our mom passed away April 27, 2013 at the family home after a brief illness.
Betty was born in Clarkston, WA March 5, 1923 to George P. and Mary Duly Hedger.
The family moved to the Spokane Valley when she was five and remained there throughout their lives.
She graduated from Central Valley High School where she met Ray “Butch” Van Hees.
They were married in 1944 and spent their 57 years together operating the family orchard and produce business.
Butch predeceased her in 2001.
Betty was defined by her love of family.
She enjoyed her flower gardens and looked forward to the family gatherings each summer.
She is survived by their children Jill (Dennis) Raffelson, Gail (Dennis) Shelton, Scott (Julie) Van Hees, Marc (Colleen) Van Hees and Kent (Laurie) Van Hees; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sisters, Margaret “Peggy” Hopkins and Mary Virginia “Ginny” Gust of Spokane as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
While Betty had a large, extended family and many friends and customers from their years in business, she asked there be no service.
A special thank you to the caring people at Hospice of Spokane especially Laura, Vicky, Cinda and Jim.
Contributions can be made to Hospice of Spokane or SCRAPS or a charity of choice.
She was the heart and soul of our family and will be missed.