She was born on July 20, 1934 in Watertown, S.D. to Edwin and Bertha Hansen Benthin. She was raised in Oregon, graduating from high school in North Powder in 1953. Betty was united in marriage to Bobby Dale Lankford on January 1, 1955 in Pendleton. They lived in Pilot Rock until 1972 and then moved to Heppner in 1975. She lived in Heppner until moving to Echo in 2011 where she has lived since. Betty enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, and supporting her grandchildren in their activities and sports.
She is survived by her son: Steve Lankford, Lexington, OR; daughters: Lyn Rose, Pendleton, OR, Brenda Worden, Heppner, OR and Kristi Moffit, Echo, OR; brother: Eddie Benthin, Pendleton, OR; sisters: Dorothy Burton, Pendleton, OR, and Patty Smith, Vancouver, WA; sister-in-law: June “Gayle” Benthin, Pilot Rock, OR; 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and a brother: Kenneth Benthin.
A celebration of life gathering to share memories of Betty and how she touched your life will be held on Friday, Sept. 16, 2016 at 4 p.m. at Abby’s Pizza, 828 South Gate, Pendleton.
A private family burial will be at the Pilot Rock Cemetery, Pilot Rock, Oregon.
Those who wish may make contributions in Betty’s memory to Alzheimer’s Research.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
