Betty Ann Fletcher

September 13, 1932–March 25, 2023

Betty Ann Fletcher, longtime Dayton resident, passed away March 25, 2023 in Walla Walla. She was 90 years of age.

Betty Ann was born September 13, 1932 in Dayton to W. Ray and Annabel Jackson Rogers. She grew up in Dayton with her younger sister Rita Rae and graduated from Dayton High School in 1951. Annabel worked very hard as a single mom to raise her two daughters and Betty Ann learned a strong work ethic and independence from her mother. She married Cecil Fletcher, whom she had met in high school, on May 16, 1952 in Dayton. He was serving in the U.S. Army at the time and was stationed overseas in Korea for the early part of their marriage. Betty Ann attended business school in Yakima and by the time her husband was honorably discharged from the Army she was working in the auditor's office at the Columbia County Courthouse. They settled in Dayton and lived most of their married life there. Betty Ann's mother married Vyrl McQuary and helped raise his three children from an early age. Their impact on Betty Ann's life was very influential and positive and cannot be understated. Vyrl was an amazing Grandfather to Kathy and Rick.

Betty Ann became a mother in 1954 and she devoted much of her time to raising her two children and loving her family time. She rarely missed any one of their events. The family also liked to snowmobile together. She was elected auditor for Columbia County and held that position until retiring in 1994.

Her family loved to travel and often spent time at Long Beach along the coast. She and Cecil travelled all over the United States and spent time in most all the National Parks across the country. It seemed they were on the go all the time. They attended the NFR (National Finals Rodeo) for 25 years together and loved to go to football games; especially the Seahawks or the Cougars.

She was an avid reader. She did lots of sewing and made clothes for her daughter. Not one to ever sit still; Betty Ann volunteered wherever she could in the community. She also served on the election board for many years and was honored by the community when they selected her as Co-Citizen of the Year along with her dear friend, Elaine Hudson.

Betty Ann was preceded in death by her sister, Rita Rae Dudley; her step-father, Vyrl McQuary and by her parents.

She will be missed by many in the community; but especially by her husband of nearly 71 years Cecil at home in Walla Walla; her daughter Kathleen (Larry) Bieghler and son Richard (Leslie) Fletcher both of Walla Walla; her four grandchildren of whom she was so proud, Travis, Josh, Derrick, and Julie; and three great-grandchildren, Dominic, Maximus, and Zachary; and by her step-brothers Tom (Suzie) and Mike (Dallas) McQuary and step-sister, Joyce (Jerry) Lyseng; and by three half-sisters.

A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held at the Dayton First Congregational Church on Thursday, April 6 at 1p.m. There will be a light luncheon to follow the service.

-Submitted photo

Betty Ann Fletcher

The family suggests memorial gifts in her memory be to the Dayton First Congregational Church, Dayton Historical Society, or the American Cancer Society. On-line guest book is at http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com

The family would like to thank the many caregivers who helped provide comfort for Betty Ann.

Corbeill Funeral Home in Dayton is caring for the family.