Elizabeth 'Bette' Ruth Dayton

8/2/1938 — 5/10/2026

• Service Date: 5/15/2026
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Bette passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, and entered the presence of her Heavenly Father, and reunited with the love of her life, Lane.

Bette was born Aug. 2, 1938, in El Monte, Calif., to John and Thelma Batton. One of eight children, she grew up in Alabama, Idaho and Fulton, Mo., where she graduated high school in 1956. She briefly attended Bible College in Miltonvale, Kan., before moving to Boise.

In Boise, she met George “Lane” Dayton, and they were married on July 30, 1957.

Bette was a faithful, supportive partner who devoted her life to family and ministry. She and Lane raised five children (three of their own and two stepchildren), pastored the Bible Missionary Church for 32 years, and owned and managed rental properties. Her home was always open, and you could count on two things when visiting Bette — you were going to be offered something to eat and she was going to pray for you. She also had a quick sense of humor that brought lightness and laughter to those around her.

The highlights of her life centered around time spent with family, including numerous fishing trips, waterskiing, snowmobiling, camping and hunting adventures.

Bette and Lane loved Alaska and, after retiring, bought a vacation home near the Kenai River in Soldotna. Summers were spent entertaining family, catching fish and watching bald eagles.

Bette found joy in simple things — watching birds out her dining room window, driving around in the spring to see the new baby calves and enjoying a strawberry sundae. She also had a deep love for being an American. Her faith, patriotism and servant’s heart became the foundation of her legacy. She delighted in being a Christian and sharing the gospel. If she couldn’t tell you about Jesus Christ in person, she would minister by slipping a small Bible or tract into almost every letter she sent, even to pay a bill.

Bette is survived by her children, Trent (Bekah) Dayton, Liz (Ken) Edwards, Brett (Donnetta) Dayton and stepson Randy (Chris) Dayton; her grandchildren, Abe, Sara, Lea, Lane, Joanna, Tyrel, Boston, Lori, Craig, Jamie, Matt, Lance and Crystal; and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sibling, her beloved husband, Lane, and her stepson, Brad.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Bette’s caregiver, Kathy, who served as her live-in companion during the last three years of her life, allowing her to remain in her home as her health declined in her later years.

Bette will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends and deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing her. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 15, at Faith Bible Church, 514 Warner Ave., Lewiston. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service.

Service Information

Date & Time

Friday, May 15, 11:00 AM

Location

Faith Bible Church
514 Warner Avenue
Lewiston, Idaho 83501

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