Obituary of Betty Rose Smith

Please click the link below to view the video tribute: http://videos.lifetributes.com/?id=14951 God sent his angel to escort her home to heaven on April 15, 2008. Betty was born March 22, 1940 in Junction City, Oregon to Paul Lewis Cappoen and Florence June Cappoen. Betty was born with Cerebral Palsy. She adapted as best she could to feel normal like everyone else. She made it to the 10th grade but was pulled out to take care of her siblings because of the farm work. Betty met Harold Otnes at Goodwill Industries where she worked in the sewing department. They married in February 1959. Betty was told she would be unable to have children but a miracle happened, a son was born April 18, 1960. It was only an 8 month term and while in labor her appendix burst and we almost lost them both. Betty and Harold divorced in 1964. Betty took care of Mark on her own. They lived in many different places and ended up being taken in by a friend named Edna Lindsey and her Nieces Laura, Vonda, and Nephew David. Betty met Stan Smith in 1967. They got married on January 15, 1968. He had three children of his own, Vera, Ron, and Noel. They raised their children together. Betty was preceded in death by the love of her life on April 8, 2000. It was a sudden loss. Betty moved to Washington State in March of 2002 to be with her son Mark. She lived at Hallmark Manor in Federal Way and made many friends. She did her best to help others with disabilities like hers. She loved everyone and loved to talk. Betty had many hobbies. A few of which were puzzles, games, cards, and bingo. Towards the end of 2007 she lost feeling in her right hand and arm, the only one she could use. She went to the doctor and was told she needed neck surgery. She knew the risk with her Cerebral Palsy but didn't care, she just wanted that feeling back in her arm to be independent again. She had two surgeries in six days which was too much for her throat. She would not be able to speak and would have to use breathing apparatus to breath through her neck. She would not want that. So her son was left with the hardest decision of his life. He refused to see her suffer anymore with the pain she had for sixty eight years. Now she is with god and her husband where she wanted to be. She's survived by her Siblings Paul, Merl, Dorothy, Joann, and David. Her son Mark. Her Step Daughter Vera. Her Step Sons Ron, Noel and their wifes Camille and Gail. Her eleven Grand Children, four Great Grand Children, and many Nieces and Nephews she loved very much. Services at Gladstone First Baptist Church. 6125 Caldwell Road Gladstone Oregon 97027. In lieu of flowers donations made to United Way. Services will be held April 26 at 3:00 PM.