Betty Lou Sitz, 94, passed away March 14.

Betty was born March 21, 1922, in Shoshone, Idaho, to Kate and Ralph Brill. She was the oldest of three children, and attended grade schools in Washington and Oregon, and high school in Tacoma, Wash.

After high school, Betty moved to San Francisco, Calif., where she worked for the United States Postal Service. While living there, she met and married her first husband, Eugene Lemons. As a pilot, Eugene went off to war, and died in action during the war effort in Italy.

Betty’s mother, Kate Morgan, wrote Betty a note, telling her she needed to “leave that sinful city” of San Francisco and wait out the war with her in Drewsey. Betty decided her mother might be right, so she loaded up a few of her belongings and took the bus from San Francisco to Ontario. In Ontario, Betty hopped the local famous train, The Galloping Goose, from Ontario to Juntura, where she hitched a ride in the back of an old pickup into Otis Valley and on into Drewsey. While visiting Drewsey, she met, and later married, James Sitz. This was the beginning of Betty’s life on the Sitz Ranch. She worked hard as a ranch wife and mother, raising their six children.

If anyone could make a blossom out of a rock, it was Betty. She loved to garden and get her hands in the dirt. Her green thumb and careful tending gave life to many beautiful flowers and bountiful fruit and vegetable harvests, all of which she loved to share with family and friends. Betty’s pride and joy were the abundant grapes she grew. A gardening expert once told Betty grapes would not grow in Harney County. Not only did Betty’s grapes grow, they completely covered her garden fence, won blue ribbons at the fair, and were even used to make wine.

Betty was active in the local community teaching Sunday school, volunteering, and donating her time, and delicious food, to many school and community functions. She also served as the president of the Harney County Cow Belles (Cattlewomen).

Betty was always up for a great adventure. She enjoyed her travels with family and friends throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Many fun and memorable experiences took place on those trips.

Being a grandmother and great-grandmother brought Betty the greatest delight and joy. From her grandkids’ perspectives, there was none better than the incredible Grandma Betty. She played a foundational role in her grandchildren’s lives, being a constant source of love and care. Whether it was summertime adventures to the river or hot springs, making loads of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or passing on her gardening tips, Grandma Betty was always there for her grandkids. Betty also loved and enjoyed her many nieces and nephews. Like she did in her garden, she gave her love to her children and grandchildren, tending her family. All the kids treasured their times at the ranch staying with “Grandma”, “Great Grandma” and “Aunt Betty.”

If you knew Betty, you know she was an amazing loving mother, grandmother, friend, and woman. With her sweet smile and sparkling eyes, she loved and accepted everyone who crossed her path. She showed us all how to love unconditionally, and was truly an example of how God wants us all to live.

Betty is survived by five children, Cathy Sitz of Gresham, Walt and Pat Sitz of Drewsey, Phillip and Beebee Sitz of Hines, John Sitz of La Pine, and Don and Cindy Sitz of Drewsey; daughter-in-law, Janyce (Dan) Courtney of Drewsey; 19 grandchildren, Angela (Leon) Dagler, Corey (Faye) Rehse, Debbie (Kirk) Mylander, Rena Sitz, Jeff (Jennifer) Sitz, Shad (Amber) Sitz, Julie (Derek) Benoit, Olin (Angela) Sitz, Ben (Marley Marshall) Sitz, Shannon (Matt) Carroll, Silas Sitz, Chanel Sitz, Phillip “Phid” Sitz, Kelsi (Matt) Palmer, Caylee (Jesse) Sitz, Chanda (Chad) Iafrate, Josh Sitz, Matt Sitz, and Mark (Caitlin) Sitz; brother, John (BJ) Morgan; 28 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Betty is now dancing in heaven with her husband of 45 years, James “Jim”; son, James Jr. “Jamey”; grandson, Kyle Rehse; brother, Walter “Jack” Brill; and many friends.

There will be a private Sitz family internment and celebration of her life.

She made a difference in the lives of many. We invite you to join us and celebrate together. A community memorial celebration of Betty’s life will be held on June 24 at the Sitz Ranch in Drewsey.

Contributions in Betty Sitz’s memory may be made to the Harney County Cattlewomen’s Scholarship, in care of LaFollette’s Chapel, P.O. Box 488, Burns, OR 97720.