Ellen Bettinson

Ellen Louise Bettinson passed from this life and entered her Father's home Friday, June 24, 2016.

She was born Oct. 25, 1924, to Fred B. and Mary Parks in Culdesac. She grew up on the family farm, where they raised grain and livestock. She was big sister to Gene and known to family members as "Sis." She graduated from Culdesac High School and went on to Lewiston State Normal School (now Lewis-Clark State College). She taught school in White Bird for one year. She returned to Culdesac and began her banking career. She started as a clerk for First Bank of Culdesac, working 10 years for Frank Hopkins. The bank was sold to First Security Bank and she became manager for 33 years.

On June 15, 1953, she married Edward B. (Ted) Bettinson, who grew up in Cavendish, England. Together they raised two boys, Edward Bryan and Michael Dean. Ellen Louise had a passion for the town of Culdesac and became mayor for eight years, when they paved streets, added a community building and a sewer system. She was also a founding member of the Culdesac Quick Response Unit and was an emergency medical technician for 25 years.

She had a servant's heart, not only for her community, but was always ready to help a friend or family member. One of her favorite things was attending events for her sons and later her granddaughters. They were a joy in her life.

Survivors include sons Ed (Janet) Bettinson of Broomfield, Colo., and Mike (Valerie) Bettinson of Richland; four grandchildren, Jaymie (Stephanie) Vaughn, Jared (Angie) Vaughn, Chelsey Bettinson and Alisha Bettinson; and four great-grandchildren, Julia, Jack, Maddelynn and Conner Vaughn.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home in Lewiston, followed by graveside services at the Normal Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Culdesac QRU, North Main Street, Culdesac, ID 83524; or Family Hospice, 415 Sixth St. Lewiston, ID 83501.