Obituary of Betty June Dokken

Betty June Dokken, age 92, of Des Moines, Washington, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2021. The daughter of Kenneth and Reba Russell, Betty was born in Salem, Oregon on July 8, 1929. She married Donald Albert Dokken on March 23, 1957, who passed on in February of 2017. Betty is survived by her children, Tamara (Peter) Mogren, David Dokken, and Paul (Laura) Dokken, and her grandchildren, Jennifer Mogren, Emily Mogren, Daniel Dokken, Rachel Dokken, Michael Dokken, and Jessica Dokken, her sister Norma Yeater, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her siblings, Kenneth Russell and Sid Russell. Betty grew up in Turner, Oregon near Salem, and graduated from Salem High School in 1947. She moved to Seattle in 1953, living at first with her Aunt Grace and working in the credit department of Jean Hall Clothing Store and at several banks. Betty met the love of her life, Don, on a blind date in February 1956 and they married on March 23, 1957. Don and Betty settled into Des Moines, Washington and welcomed three children Tamara, David and Paul into their family. At a young age, Betty placed her faith and trust in her Savior Christ Jesus. Throughout her life she was a deeply committed follower of Jesus and grew in her faith through Bible study, prayer and service. While raising her family she was involved in Bible Study Fellowship, led Friendship Bible Coffees at Wesley Terrace and served in her church as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and later in Altar Guild. Betty and Don served together on the Young Life Committee, as Billy Graham Crusade telephone counselors, Bluebills service organization, and Habitat for Humanity. Betty took great delight in her family and loved being a mom to her three children. Betty and Don loved their six grandchildren, being first visitors at their births, and attending most of their activities over the years. It was a priority to attend her extended family reunions every Memorial Day weekend in Oregon, as well as Don’s family reunions every three years in various locations. Betty was a devoted homemaker and part time bank teller at SeaFirst Bank in Des Moines. She had an artistic flair, with a love for flowers, painting and crafts. Betty did not like to be in the limelight, but would rather be behind the scenes, offering assistance and support to people, programs, and ministries. She participated in the Des Moines Garden club and had a gift for turning a bouquet of flowers into a beautiful arrangement. Don and Betty opened their heart and home to so many people over the years, including the informal adoptions of several families. Don and Betty were a wonderful team and their strengths complemented each other in their hospitality. Betty would describe herself as a “homebody”. She loved being home and offering hospitality to family, friends and those who had a need. She lived modestly but gave generously of her time, talents and resources. Betty and Don lived in the same house in Des Moines for 48 years but Betty also established lovely, happy homes when Don’s career at Boeing took them on assignments to Florida, Maryland and Lincoln England. They traveled extensively, but were always happy to come home to Des Moines. Don and Betty started the journey with Betty’s Alzheimer's over 18 years ago. She was cared for by family members at first and then God brought the blessing of Anne Kiarie to eventually coordinate Betty’s care full time at her home. Throughout her life, Betty led her family by example of grace, commitment and service. Then in the last two decades allowed others the opportunity to practice her example by serving her. Until the very last days, Betty loved to hear scripture and hymns, especially Blessed Assurance. It was always a joy to be in her presence. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday August 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery in Auburn, Washington. A memorial service celebrating the life of Betty Dokken will be held on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 11am at Grace Lutheran Church (22975 24th Ave. So.,Des Moines, WA). (indoor service, with good ventilation, with masks required, available at the entrance if needed) In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Young Life of Greater Highline/Tukwila or Alzheimer’s Association of Washington.