Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Robb Benway, 88

Elizabeth “Betty” Robb Benway, 88, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene on Dec. 28, 2020.

Betty was born in Missoula, Mont., to Walter and Florence Robb, on May 18, 1932. She grew up at the ranger station in Superior, Mont., where her father was a forest ranger. As a child, she rode horses and mules and always had a cat.

Betty met her future husband, Francis “Fritz” Benway, at a community dance and they married in Superior on Aug. 4, 1950. Fritz was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and deployed to the Panama Canal, where Betty joined him for a year. They enjoyed the excitement of living in a new country where they made life-long friends. In 1952, they returned to Superior, built a house and welcomed two daughters, Leanna and Diana. She became a worthy matron in the Mary Baldwin Chapter of the Eastern Star.

In 1961, the family moved to Great Falls. Betty had several office jobs before becoming office manager at Benton Lake Wildlife Refuge, a job she loved for 26 years. In 1976, she and Fritz moved onto 20 acres south of town to enjoy country life and horses. For many years, Betty was an avid league bowler. After retiring, Betty and Fritz loved taking scenic drives and road trips, including through Canada and New England.

In 1999, they moved to Hayden, Idaho. Betty was active in her new community, volunteering at the Kootenai Medical Center Gift Shop and on the Hayden Library Board and her Homeowners Association Board. She enjoyed her time in a kindergarten classroom, where she helped children with their reading. She also supported her husband’s Shriners activities and became a Red Hat Lady.

Betty led an active life and loved spending time with friends. She was a great cook, and was well known for her hospitality and sense of humor. Betty enjoyed playing cards — including family favorite — Hand and Foot, and going to casinos. She loved animals, especially cats, birds and horses.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Florence Robb, and her brother, Walter Robb Jr. She is survived by her husband, Fritz, of 70 years; her daughters, Leanna Lindquist (David) of Portland, Ore. and Diana Butler (Burt) of Cascade, Mont.; and grandchildren, Wendi Lindquist (Johan Hurtig) of Seattle, and Michael Lindquist of Portland. Betty is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID-19, a service will be scheduled when it is safe to gather. Betty will be interred at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery. In place of flowers, the family kindly requests that any donations be made in Betty’s memory to Shriners Hospitals for Children or a charity of your choice.

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