In Memory

Betty Louise Collins (DeForest) - Class Of 1944

Betty Louise Collins (DeForest)

Betty Collins DeForest (January 21, 1925 - January 13, 2019), 93, of Medford, Oregon, passed away peacefully at Pioneer Village. Betty will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is dearly missed by her family and friends.

Betty was born in Alhambra, the middle child of Marvin and Kathleen Collins. She was raised in San Gabriel and South Pasadena and graduated from South Pasadena - San Marino High School. In 1943, Betty met Russell DeForest when he attended a social held at her church.  Russ, a Michigan native, was stationed in California for US Army training. They corresponded during World War II, while Russ served in Europe. In 1947, Betty and Russ were married in South Pasadena and their first home was in Michigan.

Before marriage, Betty worked for over three years in California. A talented typist and bookkeeper, Betty was first employed by a Los Angeles insurance firm and later by the National Laboratories in South Pasadena. While in Michigan, Betty helped put Russ through law school by working for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company and the University of Michigan Housing Department. Betty and Russ moved to Medford, Oregon in 1952.

Betty and Russ had two daughters, Leslie and Wendy, and one son, Bret. Betty was a super-mom -- sewing school clothes; serving as president of the Wilson Elementary School Parent-Teachers Association; taking her children to their many sports events; and camping with the family. When Bret started high school, Betty returned to work. From 1973 to 1996, Betty worked as a media specialist for the Medford School District's Instructional Media Center. Betty and Russ celebrated their 55th anniversary in 2002.

Betty was a devout Christian. She had a beautiful voice and sang in church choirs throughout her lifetime, beginning as a teenager and continuing into her 80s. Betty also enjoyed swimming, archery, downhill and cross-country skiing, biking, competing in 5K running events and bowling with her grandchildren. Betty loved being a grandma and great-grandma, attending as many of their school activities as possible. She enjoyed chronicling the family history with multiple photo albums. Betty also loved all animals, especially dogs and cats. For the past 11 years, her constant and loving dog companion has been Izzy, an adorable Maltese.

Betty is survived by:  her children, Leslie (Don) Lewis, Wendy (Jerry) May, Bret (Barbara) DeForest; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, her parents, her husband Russ, her two brothers, Charles and Richard Collins, and a grandson.

Daily Tidings, January 20, 2019