Betty J. Timlick

Betty J. Timlick passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, in Grapeview, Washington, at the age of 91.

Betty was born on June 29, 1935, in Shelby, Montana, to Archie and Cora Stratton. She was the third of four children. At the age of 14, she moved to Hot Springs, Montana, where she began working for Sylvia Timlick, – the older sister of her future husband, Don. 

Betty married Donald Timlick, and together they shared nearly 70 wonderful years of marriage. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in October 2022. Don passed away just two months later, and Betty missed him deeply.

After marrying in Lonepine, Montana, they moved to Seattle in 1957, where they raised their three children. Betty was a quick and ambitious learner and established herself as a successful bookkeeper and real estate broker. She worked closely with Don in their service stations, and later their family real estate business. 

In 1977, Don and Betty purchased a farm and moved to Royal City, Washington. She embraced farm life with enthusiasm. Whether she was driving tractors, swathing hay, feeding calves, or picking apples, Betty brought an incredible work ethic and a joyful attitude. She had a special way of making even the hardest work enjoyable, turning chores into time spent learning, laughing and making memories together. She taught us that work didn't have to be easy to be enjoyable – it was the people beside you and the attitude you brought that made all the difference.

To her grandchildren, she wasn't simply Grandma – she was Farm Grandma. Some of our greatest memories were made alongside her: moving siphon tubes, preparing supper, mowing, picking fruit, and working together under the Eastern Washington sun. She taught us kindness, perseverance, and the value of an honest day's work – not through words, but by working right beside us. The lessons we learned from Farm Grandma reached far beyond the farm and will stay with us for a lifetime.

Betty was adventurous. She loved a good party, hosting family gatherings, sharing a good joke, visiting with old friends and living life with a smile.

Betty also loved sewing, quilting, crocheting, gardening, traveling with Don in their motor home and spending winters in Yuma, Arizona. Traveling south in the winter to find warm weather suited her just fine. More than anything, she loved gathering her family together and celebrating life's moments. She had a way of slowing life down and enjoying the small, simple moments that most of us overlooked.

In 2023, Betty moved to Grapeview, Washington, to be closer to her family.

She is survived by her brother Stan Stratton of Moses Lake, Washington; her daughters Florence Wilkins and Patricia (Robert) Paysse of Grapeview, Washington; her son, John (Mahnaz) Timlick of Plano, Texas; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A graveside service and burial will be held at Murray Cemetery in Lonepine, Montana. Details will be announced by the family.

Betty's legacy lives on in the family she loved, the lessons she taught, and the countless memories made by everyone fortunate enough to know Farm Grandma. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.