Betty Durand

Our mother Betty Jane (Reed) Durand went to be with the Lord early Thursday, November 24, 2016. She was born in Buffalo, Oklahoma on August 17, 1930 to John and Retha (Rains) Reed. The family later relocated to Toppenish, Washington in the 1940’s. Mom graduated from Toppenish high school in 1948. While in school, Mom was a member of the Girls Athletic League, School Paper, Office Girls and involved with numerous class activities. An accomplished typist and bookkeeper, she went to work for Webb Tractor and Equipment Company in Toppenish right out of high school. Over the years, mom was a notary public and bookkeeper for several companies including Pistoresi Trucking, and Superior Asphalt but her fondness for the Webb family always brought her back to Webb Tractor. In later years, she went to work for friends Jess and Paula at Heaverlo Equipment as a bookkeeper and office ramrod until she retired. While employed at Webb Tractor she met Roy Durand and the two were married on March 25th 1949. They started their family on a small farm outside Zillah, eventually moving to the Lower Naches area where she lived for 53 years. Mom recently moved from the farm into a small apartment, which was quite an adjustment for her. Active throughout her life, mom was a Cub Scout Den Mother, 4 H leader, and a past President of the Washington Women in Timber. Even traveling to Washington DC to lobby on behalf of the timber industry. One of her happiest endeavors was serving with The Christian Church of Selah, where she and dad were members for many years. Mom assisted with church activates and served as treasurer until recently. Mom and Dad were a team and always involved with the youth of the Yakima Valley whether it was 4-H or the Central Washington State Fair. They were often seen working on horse shows including the Washington State Open and 4-H Council Training School, as well as rodeos, which included Junior Rodeos, The National High School and Columbia River Circuit Finals. One of her favorite annual trips was to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo. Mom was an avid reader. She always had a book going and often shared stories with her family. A rock and safe harbor her greatest loves were her family, her friends and her faith in God. Her heart was ever open to helping others and giving what she could to aid the less fortunate. She was the one to go to for support and guidance. And her advice, often not what you wanted to hear, was generally what was needed. Her departure leaves a void in our lives and the lives of everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed. She is preceded in death by her husband Roy, parents John and Retha and a daughter Sharon Lee. Mom is survived by her brothers, J W Reed of Safford, Arizona and Kenneth (Donna) Reed of Apple Valley, California. Daughters, Judy (Jack) Peebles, Nampa, ID, Carol (Dan) Riblett, Shelley, ID and 2 sons, John (Debbie) Durand, Yakima and Jim (Diana) Durand, Selah, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 9 great great grandchildren. An open celebration of life will be held at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Terrace Heights, on Friday December 2, 2016 at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Betty’s honor be made to the Christian Church at Selah, or to local Hospice in care of Valley Hills Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Betty Durand, please visit our flower store.