“As in contemplation lie, reflecting in the days gone by, I think how fortunate am I, for I’ve been blessed by the hand of God.” These are the opening lines of a poem Betty wrote in 1997 as a Christmas gift to her family.
Betty Joan McMichael was born on Feb. 20, 1933 in Hot Springs, S.D. to Milo and Eloise Graves Christensen. She joined her Savior on Feb. 5, 2025 with her beloved Mike by her side.
Betty spent the first 34 years of her life in Edgemont, S.D. She graduated from Edgemont High School in 1951 and married her high school sweetheart the same year. The marriage ended in divorce but created treasured daughters, Darla Rae and Dana Kay. That same year Betty embarked on a nearly 40-year career starting with 16 years at Black Hills Army Depot, Igloo, S.D. In 1967 she transferred to Umatilla Army Depot in Hermiston, where a promotion took her to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1973. She always enjoyed her work and in 1983 she was selected as the Walla Walla District’s supervisor of the year. Betty retired from McNary Dam at the end of 1990.
Betty accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of 16. She allowed Him to become Lord of her life when she was baptized in 1973 at the First Christian Church in Hermiston.
For years, she was an avid and accomplished bowler. Writing poetry for her family and friends brought her much happiness. However, Betty’s greatest joy was taking care of and spending time with her family. There was always a “favorite dish” on the table, depending on which child was coming home. “In my Father’s house are many memories…if it were not so, I would have told you.”
C. J. “Mike” McMichael was born to Clifford and Julia McCarl McMichael in Orofino, Neb. on June 6, 1926 the nineth of 12 siblings. With family by his side, he followed his cherished Betty home on Feb. 8, 2025.
Mike was raised on the family farm southeast of Farnam, Neb. His mother passed away when Mike was nine and luckily his father was able to keep the family together. They were raised tight knit, knowing love and the value of a hard day’s work. On June 4, 1944 he married Laura Belle Wolgamont. The marriage ended in divorce but created gifts, too: sons Larry Lloyd and Terry Lee and daughter Sandra Lynn.
Mike left for the U.S. Army boot camp two months after his 18th birthday. He was a proud veteran of World War II, where he served in the European theater. Mike also completed a civilian tour in Vietnam with the Army Material Command in 1970. His career with the federal government began in 1947 at Umatilla Army Depot, Hermiston. After a two-year break to once again try to make a living on the family farm, he returned to the Umatilla depot, retiring in 1974. After retiring from the depot, he worked at ARZ and Eastern Oregon Farms until he retired permanently in 1990.
In retirement, Mike surprisingly took up baking. His dinner rolls were known to be fought over amongst family and friends. Mike was also a skilled wood worker. He created beautiful pieces that have lasted generations. One such rocking horse has survived many hours of riding by multiple great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. His work on the farm and at the depot taught Mike many skills and he was our “Mr. Fix-It.” He was always ready to help anyone in need and never ceased to amaze with his ability and creativity.
On July 27, 1973, Betty and Mike married. The union combined their family with children Larry, Terry, Sandra, Darla, Dana and six grandchildren. Mike and Betty were long-standing and active members of the First Christian Church, and Mike was recently honored for his 75th anniversary with the American Legion.
After retirement, Mike and Betty began spending their winters in Arizona. They cultivated many new and lasting friendships under the Bouse sun. In the off season, they enjoyed camping at Wallowa Lake and the Oregon coast, and family time at Larry’s cabin.
Betty and Mike enjoyed one of the most loving marriages we were blessed to witness. They were always together, including their final walk home. They held hands as Betty went to her Lord three days prior to Mike’s passing.
Betty leaves to mourn her stepbrother, Roger, and Mike leaves his sister, Ruth. Together they are missed by many, including daughters, Sandra Spicher, Darla (Kim) Wolcott and Dana (Tom) Arenz; sons, Larry (Julie) McMichael and Terry (Therese) McMichael; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her grandparents; parents; stepmother; half-brother, Gary; stepsister, Patricia; two infant half-sisters; grandson, Brett; and great-grandson, Koty.
Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty; parents; brothers, Rich, Alvin and Herb; sisters, Elma, Elsie, Mary, Velma, Ethel, Millie and Julia; grandson, Brett; and great-grandson, Koty.
The closing lines of her poem read: “For the memories you’ve created have to me become a treasure, and in the twilight of my years, I’ll look back with a smile and ponder on all the good things that made it all worthwhile.” Now we, family and friends, are left to treasure the memories they created. Together, they will be celebrated and sorely missed.
Mike and Betty will be laid to rest with Legion graveside rights on June 6, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Services at First Christian Church, Hermiston will begin at 11 a.m. with luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hermiston American Legion Post 37 at 500 W. Parker Road, Hermiston, Ore., 97838 or First Christian Church at 775 W. Highland Ave., Hermiston, Ore., 97838.
Please share memories of Mike and Betty with their family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
