Betty Vandegrift, aka Clara Elizabeth (Gongwer) Vandegrift, passed away, at home, in Woodinville, Washington, surrounded by her family, on July 5, 2019. Betty was born to Ralph Elton Gongwer and Catherine Allston (Livingston) Gongwer, on January 16, 1920 in Billings, Montana. At two years old, Betty and her parents went, by Model T Ford, from a government experimental farm in Idaho to run the family farm in Wabash, Indiana. Her only memory of that trip was that her father drained the radiator every evening after they stopped for the night, to cook poached eggs for their dinner.
Betty graduated from Lagro High School in 1938, and graduated from Manchester College (now University), with her teaching degree in biology as well as in English and American Literature. She taught biology at Chester High School until the principal told her they were reassigning her to teach English and American Literature because her students were bringing too many snakes, reptiles and rodents into school for biology experiments! Betty taught high school English and American Literature for thirty years, mostly at Wabash High School. She was a beloved teacher to many, as well as a trusted friend to young people, and even a second mother to some. On August 5, 1950, in North Manchester, Indiana, she married J. Ward Vandegrift and he died October 28, 1981
Betty traveled widely in Europe and the United States. She loved classical music and all of the arts. She was an avid reader of the Bible, historical novels, mysteries, Louis Lamour, Harry Potter, and, of course, all the classics. She enjoyed museums, paintings, sculpture, architecture and traveling, but most of all, she loved people. She had friends of every age and stage of life; she was always interested in a child’s latest discovery, the plans of a young person going to college or service or work, and the thoughts, hopes and dreams of friends and family members of all ages. She loved to think and exchange ideas and learn new things. She had a fabulous sense of humor and loved reading the New York Times and working the crossword puzzle every day. Betty had a great passion for the simple things in life, a deep and searching belief in God, a strong and resilient faith and a deep love for her family, students and friends.
Betty was also predeceased by her parents, and her eldest child, Catherine Lee, 1997. She is survived by three children: Deborah Kay Vandegrift (Roberta Hjort), and Elizabeth Ann Vandegrift, both of Woodinville, and David Vandegrift (Stephen DeBruhl), of Kirkland, Washington. Also surviving are several beloved nieces and nephews and their families.
Memorial services will be 10:00 am, Saturday, October 19. 2019 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave, Wabash. Inurnment will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash.
Preferred memorial is Wabash Christian Church.
The memorial guest book for Betty may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.