Betty Elizabeth Garrett, 78
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 15 years, 3 months AGO
Betty Elizabeth Garrett, longtime Post Falls resident passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Sunday, May 1, 2011, at Life Care Center of Post Falls. Betty was born Dec. 12, 1932, in Grand Island, Neb., to Adolf F. Thute and Anna Elizabeth (Dell) Thute; the youngest of five children, or the "caboose" as Betty always said. Her childhood years were spent in western Nebraska.
Following her graduation from high school she came to Post Falls in 1952 to work with her sister and brother-in-law, Hilde and Jack Kellogg, whom had established the Bar-B-Q Ranch gift shop. The store, located on Highway 10 at Seltice Way and Idaho Street, was a local landmark with the giant cowboy and fiberglass animals on the roof.
In the 1960s and '70s the gift shop evolved into a leading western wear store and was well-known throughout the area. She worked side by side with her sister Hilde and made lifelong friends with the employees and customers of the Bar-Q-Ranch. She also managed the Golden Mirror beauty shop that was owned by Hilde. Her knowledge of bookkeeping led her to work for Apla Health Care and later with Seven Oaks Community Center until April of last year.
She was a member of St. George's Catholic Church in Post Falls. She had no children.
She was preceded in death by her very dear friend and sister, Hilde Kellogg; husband William "Bill" Garrett III; her parents and older brothers, Richard Thute of Sacramento, Calif., and William Thute of Phoenix, Ariz.
She is survived by a sister, Helen Margetic, Plainfield, Ill., as well as nieces and nephews. Close friends, Randy and Annette Wells, of Athol, Richard Thomas of Post Falls, Ray and Pat Walker of Otis Orchards, Wash., Reek and Bob Kasun of Post Falls, also survive her.
In lieu of flowers, Betty requested a contribution to your favorite charity.
There will be a graveside service at her request for family and friends at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls. English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, has been entrusted with her final arrangements.
She was an amazing friend to those that knew and loved her. Her last months of life greeted her with new friends that she met at Life Care Center of Post Falls, she received the best care possible from the entire staff. We will miss her!