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Betty R. Umphrey, 87

Betty R. (Perkins) Umphrey, age 87, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on May 27, 2019, at the Hospice House of North Idaho in Coeur d’Alene.

Betty was born on July 23, 1931, in Barnes, Ark., to Oscar and Ruthy (Harris) Perkins. She was one of four children. She moved to Boise, Idaho in 1947, where she later graduated high school. She married her first husband, Billie Edward Manning, in 1951. Billie enlisted in the United States Army and fought in the Korean War. Betty and Billie had four children together, Patricia R. Manning of Seattle; Douglas L. (Deborah) Manning of Rathdrum, Idaho; Gregory D. (MaryAlyce) Manning of Rathdrum and Ronald B. (Kimberly) Manning of Rathdrum. Both Gregory and Douglas later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam era, with Gregory serving overseas. Betty was proud of all her children for their accomplishments and careers.

Betty moved to North Idaho in 1959, where she worked for General Telephone as a switchboard operator. She retired in 1981 due to rheumatoid arthritis.

Betty and Billie divorced in 1966. She then married her second husband, Wallace “Wally” Earl Umphrey, in 1969. She welcomed two step-children, Diana (Umphrey) Jackson of Coeur d’Alene and Rodney E. (Linda) Umphrey of Coeur d’Alene.

In 2002, her son Douglas transferred from Les Schwab Tire Center in Clarkston, Wash., to Les Schwab Tire Center in Post Falls and moved with his wife, Deborah, to help maintain Betty and Wally’s property. They eventually became their primary caregivers, due to Wally’s deteriorating health condition. Sadly, in March 2006, Wally succumbed to advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

After Wally’s passing, Betty’s health slowly began to decline. She enjoyed spending time with her beloved dog, who she initially named Wally. But she quickly learned that was a difficult name to speak. She ultimately settled on the name Buddy and he became her best friend.

She enjoyed watching daytime television shows, including “The Price is Right,” “The Young and the Restless,” “Criminal Minds” and “NCIS.” Her favorite foods were Nutty Bars, ice cream, soups, salad, fried potatoes, burgers and TV dinners. Betty also enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were by her side until her passing.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Grace Dennis, Hanna Perkins and Irene Perkins; her husband and her step-son, Rodney. Betty is survived by her younger brother, Billie Lee Perkins; her step-daughter, Diana; her four children and her grandchildren, James P. Holliday, Rebecca (Daniel) R. Bennett, Jenny Taney, Rodney (Shelly) Umphrey, Rusti (Robin) Umphrey, Dawn M. Manning, Victoria (Richard) L. Klawitter, Elizabeth (Christopher) M. Thompson, Alicia (John) Tuttle, Jacinda J. Manning, Sabrina S. Manning, Marissa M. Manning, Katrina (Jeff) A. Vogl, Brittnay (Timothy) K. Smith, Josh (Brittany) Altermott, Lanaia Pfeifer and George Pfeifer. She had many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren that she loved to spend time with. Betty had a very large family that she enjoyed greatly and thought of often.

A funeral service is 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at Yates Funeral Home – Hayden Chapel, 373 E. Hayden Ave., Hayden, Idaho, with a viewing at 10 a.m. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice House of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815, as they took great care of her and her family in her final hours.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Betty’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.