A vibrant longtime member of the Vashon community and spark plug of many local organizations died March 9th, 2013. Betty June Gleason was born June 1st 1920 in Angels Camp, California home of the Calaveras County Jumping Frog Jubilee. Much of her time in California was spent as a founding member of the Tuolumne County Historical Society, Girl Scout leader, and working for the local paper The Union Democrat.

The growth of the telephone company on Vashon brought Betty and her husband Keith Hubble Gleason and their two daughters Linda and Gayle to Vashon Island in 1960.

Betty quickly became deeply involved in life on Vashon. This included membership in the Women’s Club, Cancer Society as a survivor, the Garden Club, and one of the first employees of K2. In her 50’s she obtained her pilots license and joined the all female pilots organization called the 99s. She loved flying with her children and her grandchildren.

A favorite family destination was Little Cactus Island in the the San Juan Islands where the family would camp, explore the beach, fish, and she could pass on her appreciation of nature. Her grandchildren remember her hosting many family holiday celebrations including Easter egg hunts where she had the local bakery write each child’s name on their individual chocolate egg. Her creativity and love of crafts showed in her cards, flower arrangements, garden, cooking, sewing and knitting projects.

Three years after the death of Keith, Betty married Pete Blair of Clinton, Washington. Still active and energetic Pete and Betty enjoyed traveling internationally. They were supporters of Port Townsend Areo Museum. Their appreciation for the arts took them to the theater, symphonies, and museums. Betty was a supporter and fan of Cougar football, the Seahawks, the Mariners and loved to play and watch golf. Pete and Betty split their time between their homes on Vashon and Whidbey Island where they were shining stars of the Brighton Beach boardwalk. Her memory was phenomenal and her ability to tell stories was amazing. Each item in her house has a story. Each has had their own adventure. From the girl who jumped off the dock in her underwear to the matriarch of a large family, Betty lived a life filled with adventure, friends, family and joy. She will be missed.

A Memorial service was held, Friday March 15, 2013, at the Vashon Methodist Church.

Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.