Betty Jean McLandress

Betty Jean (Sherrill) McLandress, 86, a life-long resident, mother, dear friend and a woman who's bright smile and warm-hearted spirit touched many in the Wenatchee Valley, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 25th, 2012 while residing at Highgate Assisted Living Community in Wenatchee. Born in Moscow, Idaho on August 7, 1925, Betty traveled often with her family, living in various communities, while her mother and father, Bert and Bernice Sherrill, managed fruit and produce packing operations. The beautiful Wenatchee Valley, though, was always considered home. She attended grade school and junior high school here, and graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1943. She had a strong work ethic, and while in high school she worked as an usherette at the popular downtown Vitaphone Theater. It was there where she met her high school sweetheart Donald "Mac" McLandress. Their courtship and love grew strong, and when Don enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942. When he was assigned to instruct for the Women Air Service Pilot program (W.A.S.P.) at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas, Betty knew there were far too many attractive and eligible student pilots, so she had better make her move! She took the train to Sweetwater and on March 21, 1944 Betty and Donald were married. Undoubtedly that long train ride proved to be a fruitful move on her part: After the War they settled in East Wenatchee on S.E. 8th Street where they lived for 63 years, raised five sons, and lovingly created a welcoming, warm home. With hard work, she helped to develop a beautifully landscaped yard and gardens, which, over the years, allowed for us all to connect to nature and the land, which Betty so loved and appreciated. They remained married for 65 years until Don's death in December 2008. For 36 of those years, Betty assisted Mac in the operation of their successful commercial cherry and peach orchard, affectionately known as "Mac Orchard". When not cooking one of her many fine feasts in the kitchen, or canning fruit and making preserves for the winter, she found the time to work in the orchard alongside her sons and hired help. She was involved in everything from blossom thinning in the Spring to cherry harvest and peach packing in the Summer. She enjoyed making friends with the annual return of familiar orchard workers and U-pickers, and quite often she would share cool refreshments and tasty treats on the patio while the pickers sat in the shade admiring the pleasant yard and views of the surrounding valley. When she was younger, and when the boys were grown a bit and she found extra time, she enjoyed working seasonally with her mother Bernice packing apples at Cascadian Fruit Shippers where Mac worked as the Sales Manager for 42 years. She really was an All-American Mom and Wife. We would often joke and refer to her as "Betty Crocker" for her wonderful cooking talents and devotion to her family and home, always making it comfortable, welcoming, and inviting. She always encouraged her sons to do their very best and be involved in the community, yet, lovingly accepted life as it was, or could be. And she provided a fine example to carry a positive attitude and rise above the challenges that may come in life. She was an active member of Eastmont Presbyterian Church, and in their more youthful ages, she encouraged her sons to attend Sunday School, even when they were protesting the idea, as kids do! With life on the orchard, managing a family of 5 sons, and supporting a strong home, the many weekend trips to Lake Chelan provided the relaxing pleasures she so deserved. But mostly, life's pleasures were found in her day-to-day love and enthusiasm for life, while laughing often with a beautiful smile and always a sparkle in her eye. Upon Don's death on Dec 1, 2008, Betty continued to live on SE 8th Street, and then moved to Columbia Heights, and then to Highgate Assisted Living Community. At Highgate, she met a beautiful community of caregivers and residents, many of whom were old friends from the community. The McLandress Family wants to extend their deepest gratitude for the loving care Highgate provided our Mother. With devoted care you loved her in times of need and laughed with her in joyous moments. Our mother loved you too, and appreciated your care so much! She peacefully died there, knowing she was then, and is now, in the arms of loving family members, her friends, and God. Betty was preceded in death by her parents Bert and Bernice Sherrill of Wenatchee; two sisters, Virginia Emery of Sumner, WA; and Dorothy Kelly of Spokane, WA; and her husband Donald of 64 years. She is survived by her five sons, Robert of Chelan; Richard and his wife Catherine of Coeur d'Alene, ID; Randall and his wife Sally of East Wenatchee; John and his wife Ann of Seattle; and Michael of Bend, OR; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 14th, at Eastmont Presbyterian Church, 200 S. Kentucky Ave. in East Wenatchee. A family Inurnment will be held earlier that day at 1:30 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park. Arrangements are by Telfords Chapel of the Valley. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Please contact Telfords Chapel of the Valley for more details.

Betty Jean McLandress

August 7, 1925 - June 25, 2012