Betty Julia Salmons Lusk passed away on Oct. 31, 2014.

Born on Feb. 9, 1935, in Princess Anne County, Va., Betty was the only child of Guy Morris and Adeline Salesky Salmons. Betty grew up with many cousins and friends in rural Virginia. She loved the beach and walking barefoot in the sand. She had no plans to leave Virginia until her cousin arranged a blind date with a young naval aviator from Idaho who was stationed on an aircraft carrier out of Norfolk, Va. - Robert Roy Lusk.

Betty married Bob on Aug. 20, 1955. She left her life in the south and started an adventure as a new bride in the northwest. Betty attended Washington State University while Bob finished his degree in forestry in 1957, and then moved into the wilderness at Kelly Creek Ranger Station in the Clearwater National Forest of Idaho. The country was so remote that they lived at Kelly Creek in the summer and moved into a motel in Orofino when the roads were snowed under in the winter.

There was no electricity or indoor plumbing, but Betty took to her new life with gusto. She loved the mighty mountains and clear flowing water. Bob's job with the U.S. Forest Service required moves to more remote and beautiful places: Bungalow Ranger Station (also on the Clearwater) and Sula, Mont. During those years they welcomed four children.

Betty often said that she had kids to play with to make up for being an only child. With the next moves to Cottonwood, Idaho, and Libby, Mont., the young family played in the great outdoors - skiing, hiking, camping and swimming.

In later years they moved to Lufkin, Texas; Cleveland, Tenn.; and Placerville, Calif. Every move brought a new adventure for Betty. She never knew a stranger, could never say no, made friends wherever she went and volunteered in many activities: Girl Scouts, gardening, UMYF, Sunday school, senior centers, YMCA, senior exercise classes, and Red Cross swimming lessons where 1,000 kids were taught to swim in the summers.

While living in Tennessee, Betty was recognized for her tremendous community involvement with the DIANA Award for Woman of the Year. In Placerville, Betty volunteered at the Snowline Hospice and ended her tenure there as the Executive Director.

Betty went back to school at Sacramento State University to finish her degree in sociology. She graduated in May 1981, just in time to start her next big adventure: Life with her grandchildren.

The last move Betty made was to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. They chose to retire in the beautiful area where they started their lives together. She and Bob built a home on the lake that welcomed 11 grandchildren to the magical "Camp Grandma." (It was here they became known as Wawee and Bobby.)

Betty once again made great friends, volunteered in the community and her church, made trips all over the country in their RV, played bridge, joined the 3Cs Book Club, Happy Family of Mica Flats Grange, gardened, and attended as many of her grandkids' activities as she could.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents and a grandchild, Jedidiah Lusk. She leaves behind to celebrate her life her husband of 59 years, Bob; sons Rick Lusk of Baker City, Ore., and Scott (Cynthia) Lusk of Cromberg, Calif., daughters Linda (Rich) Williams of Hayden, Idaho, and Julie (Tim) Chavis of Newport, Wash.; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

From Virginia to Idaho "was a long way, but the miles were good ones and filled with much joy and happiness. From dogwood and honeysuckle to Indian paintbrush and bear grass."

A memorial service for Betty is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014, at the Community United Methodist Church in Coeur d'Alene. A reception will follow in the church.

Bell Tower Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. You may visit Betty's online memorial at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.