Bette Jo (Ellingson) Lambier, former longtime Hermiston resident, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Aug. 20, 2017 at her place of residence in Salem at the age of 94.
She was born on March 15, 1923 in Great Falls, Mont. to Alfred Ellingson and Lois (Martin) Ellingson.
She attended and graduated from high school in Spokane, Wash. Her natural gift and love of sketching and painting led her to continue her studies in commercial art. On Aug. 11, 1945, she married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Lambier. They were married 64 years at the time of Bob’s death. They started their marriage in northern California, moving to Hermiston in 1947. In 1999, they moved to Salem, where they lived at Paradise Island Park.
In 1947, they welcomed their first daughter, Candace, followed by a second daughter, Lynette, in 1955. They suffered the loss of their beloved daughter, Candy, in 1974. Candy’s children, Jeff and Aymie, were adopted by Bette and Bob in 1976.
Bette’s many talents included her baking abilities. “Open house” at Christmas time was enjoyed and attended by many. She was gifted in making something out of nothing, whether it be sewing or crafting. She taught 4-H for two generations.
After Bob’s retirement, they started Bob’s Frame Shop, located at their home. Bette restarted her art career, painting primarily seascapes and landscapes. Bette and Bob made multiple trips to the Oregon coast and Hawaii, which became Bette’s artistic inspiration. The success of the frame shop led them to open the La Petit’ Galleria in town. Additionally, Bette taught numerous workshops over the course of her career, teaching the styles of the “old masters”.
She was and remains an incredible mother and grandmother. She loved her family unconditionally and took great joy in being active in their lives, sharing her wisdom and faith in God. She will be missed greatly by her family and friends and will always remain in their hearts. Bette’s family takes great comfort in knowing that she’s reunited with Candy and dancing with Bob.
She is survived by her daughters, Lynette Lambier and Aymie and husband, Frank Olsen; son, Jeff Lambier; and grandchildren, Aaron Tumy, Marissa Olsen and Jayce Olsen.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her daughter Candy, her parents and two brothers.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel in Hermiston. Burial will follow at the Hermiston Cemetery.
The family asks that any shade of pink or flowers be worn to celebrate Bette’s life.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
