Beth A. Humphrey

Beth A. Humphrey, 81, passed away on November 28, 2020, at MorningStar Senior Living in Lone Tree, Colo., following a recent decline in health.

Beth was born at home in Garfield, Wash., on December 13, 1938, to Dorothy Rice Hanson and Cecil Hanson. The paper boy was the first in town to learn of her birth and he shared the news with neighbors as he continued his route. That paper boy was Bill Humphrey, and a few short years later Beth would develop a schoolgirl crush on him. Then, Bill left Garfield for several years to serve in the Air Force and attend college but when he returned, they became reacquainted and married in 1958.

Beth spent her childhood in Garfield, graduating from Garfield High School in 1957. Some of Beth's fondest memories growing up were of the dear friendships she developed, playing clarinet in the school band and going to dances with her friends on the weekend. She was a wonderful dancer. She frequently attended live performances at The Riverside Dance Hall outside of Potlatch, Idaho, including Johnny Cash on November 7, 1958. Beth would recount that night enthusiastically over the years.

After marrying, Beth and Bill moved to Seattle, Wash., to start careers and a family. They always worked hard but still found time for an active social life that included the local bowling league and late-night card games with the neighbors. The family moved to the Yakima Valley in 1973 where Bill launched A&B Plastics and Beth worked at Associated Grocers. After retiring, Beth and Bill spent a couple years travelling throughout the western United States by motorhome. During their travels they discovered, and fell in love with, the greater Phoenix area. In 1993 they made Sun Lakes their winter home while returning to Yakima for the summer months. Beth and Bill enjoyed their retirement in Sun Lakes and were fortunate to be surrounded by friends old, new, and even reconnected with relatives they had not seen in years. They regularly hosted large dinner parties, sometimes several times a week. Beth was always a loyal and caring friend, ready to help anyone when needed.

In 2013, a couple years after Bill's passing, Beth moved to Castle Rock, Colo., to be near family. Her time in Colorado with family was very special. Beth loved going out to restaurants, family meals at her daughter Brenda's home and frequent sight-seeing drives in the Greater-Denver area. The icing-on-the-cake was when her son, Bruce, would visit several times each year and the whole family would be together.

Beth is survived by her son Bruce Humphrey of The Dalles, Ore.; daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Steven Roy of Castle Rock, Colo.; grandsons, Mark Roy, Michael Roy, and Jack Roy; her cousin Dorothy Heinrich; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Beth was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Bill Humphrey; her beloved mother, Dorothy Rice Hanson; her sister Joanne Culbertson; her brother Bob Hanson; and her father Cecil Hanson.

An online Memorial may be visited at OlingerAndrews.com. A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to Seattle Children's Hospital or a charity of your choice.