Elizabeth "Betty" Andres

Elizabeth “Betty” Lavonne Andres of Ferndale, Washington went home to glory on September 18, 2020.  Her steadfast faith, devotion to family, and selfless caring profoundly touched the lives of all who had the privilege to know and love her.

Betty was born May 4, 1938 in Goessel, Kansas to John and Irma Schmidt, the third of four children.  She grew up on a working farm and learned the value of hard work there, feeding animals and helping out with anything else that was needed.  Betty graduated from Goessel High School in 1956 and later from Western Washington University with a teaching degree.

She married Homer Lloyd Andres on December 21, 1960 and spent nearly 60 years of marital bliss with him.  They settled in Ferndale where they had a chicken egg farm for a few years before transitioning to running a hobby farm.  Betty enjoyed raising many animals for pets: sheep, goats, cows, horses, cats, dogs, ducks, geese, skunks, and in her later years her beloved miniature donkeys.  Betty loved God’s creations and thoroughly enjoyed growing numerous flowers and gardening.  She also loved canning the produce from her garden and baking many treats for family and friends to enjoy.  She and Homer enjoyed God’s creation further by taking many fishing trips with extended family around Washington and British Columbia. 

People were always important to Betty and she welcomed anyone she met with open arms.  She delighted herself with watching kids throughout her life, whether they were her own kids, her grandkids, her great grandkid, or someone else’s kids entirely.  She was always available to help out with childcare and rarely said no.  She was heavily involved in Children’s ministries at her church and ran a day care from home for many years.  Many people knew her affectionately as “Grandma Betty”. 

Betty’s faith was primary to her and she lived it out both at church and outside of church.  She had a great ambition to be a witness for Jesus Christ in everything she did.  In her later years she was very involved with tying blankets for underprivileged families around the world and helping out with an annual craft sale at her church to benefit artisans with fair wages.  She even took a trip to Guatemala to visit her sponsored child through Compassion International.

Homer and Betty have three adult children, seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.  They have taken great interest in their grandkids’ activities and have kept up with following their lives and accomplishments.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents John and Irma Schmidt.  She is survived by her devoted husband Homer, sons David (Dana), John (Kristi), and daughter Debra Compton (Rich).  Sisters Jenny Peters (Virgil), Donna Koehn (Irwin) and brother Stan Schmidt (Mildred).  Grandchildren Corey Ellyson, Levi Compton, Skylar Compton, Abby Andres, Josh Andres, Sam Andres, Becka Andres and great granddaughter Grace Ellyson. 

Her memory will be forever cherished, and her generous love will abide and sustain those who mourn her loss.  She will forever be deeply missed.

A time of Remembrance for Betty will be held at Good News Fellowship Church (1252 W. Axton Rd. Ferndale) following the Sunday morning worship service on September 27.  The worship service will begin at 10:30 AM with the time of Remembrance beginning at 11:45.