Obituary: Maki, Betty L.
Age 90
(Age 90)
Betty Lou Maki ascended into heaven April 15, 2016 in Spokane, Washington.
She was born Betty Lou Helman to Harry and Alice Helman on August 27, 1925 in Butte, Montana.
As a young child, she lived in the mountains of Trinity, Washington but moved back to Butte where she graduated from Butte High School in 1944.
After waiting for her true love to return from WWII, Betty married Vernon Maki on November 3, 1946 in Butte where they lived for over 40 years.
Betty was the ultimate wife, mom, granny, and aunt, a true caregiver to all.
She was a beautiful knitter.
Lucky are those who were recipients of one of her fisherman knit afghans.
She worked as a secretary and bookkeeper at various locations in Butte, and retired from the Crest Nursing Home to travel to exotic locations in South and Central America, Europe, and North Africa with Vernon and friends.
However, world travel could not begin to compete with camping at the Big Hole River in Montana.
To be closer to family, Betty and Vernon moved to Spokane, Washington in 1987 where they lived the remainder of their lives.
They enjoyed many summers at Priest Lake with family and made many new lake friends.
Following Vernon’s death in 2004, Betty moved to Harvard Park in Spokane where she lived nearly 10 years spending time with many new friends.
For the last 9 months, Betty was a resident at Classy Retreat where she received loving care and support from her caregivers, Demi, Florentina, and Karina.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Vernon Maki; her parents, Harry and Alice Helman; her brothers, Harry and Glenn Helman; her brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Rose Maki; and her sister-in-law, Royette Maki.
Betty is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Wanda and Bill Podobnik; her grandsons, Michael and Brian Podobnik; brother-in-law, Leroy Maki; cousin, Barbara (Dennis) Pistoresi; nephews, Craig, Jeff, Gary, and Mark Maki; and nieces, Patricia Sullivan, Elizabeth Maki, Roseann Maki, Dana LaFond, and Dena Helman.
A special thank you goes out to Betty’s Hospice team: Lynette, Carlahn, Sherill, Lou Ann, and Baya the dog for all their love and support.
If you wish to make a donation in Betty’s name, please consider a donation to Hospice of Spokane.
A celebration of Betty’s life is planned later this summer in Montana.
I know well there is no comfort for this pain of parting.
The wound always remains, but one learns to bear the pain, and learns to thank God for what He gave.
For the beautiful memories of the past, and the yet more beautiful hope for the future.
Max Muller 1823 - 1900.