Betty Jean (Syverson) Monteith, age 61, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends on December 27, 2019 after a long, courageous and hard fought battle with cancer. Our spoiler of children, our wonderful and unmatched baker of pies, our biggest fan, our shoulder to cry on is finally at peace and free to fly.

Betty was born on January 21, 1958 in Sedro-Woolley, WA to Wesley and Myrtle Syverson. She was raised with her 5 sisters, graduating from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1976.

Betty married Bill Ensley in 1977, instantly gaining a 5-year-old son named Gale. They welcomed their son Shawn and their show stopper daughter Heather in 1978 and 1982 respectively.

Betty was a dedicated, energetic and loving mother who always chose work that fit with the kids' schedule; she was committed to putting their needs first. Eventually, she took a job in food service at Acme Elementary School, where she happily worked with children for 30 years and made many friends.

Betty was united in a second marriage to Keith Monteith in 2004 and gained three more children, Ashley, Brandon and Tyler, who grew to love Betty. She and Keith built a home together in Acme on property that she cherished.

Betty's favorite pastimes were long, long "walks" (grueling hikes) and traveling with her sisters. She loved homemaking, gardening and enjoying the beautiful view from her home. Betty was famous for her pies, her smile and her quick wit. The place she was happiest was with her grandchildren. She kept herself busy keeping up with and attending all of her grandchildren's activities. Once you were in Betty's heart, she never let you go. She loved selflessly, wholeheartedly and unconditionally.

She is survived by her husband Keith; son, Shawn (Stacie) Ensley; daughter, Heather Ensley (Art Rodriguez); step-children, Gale (Natalie) Ensley, Ashley Monteith, Brandon (Sofiya) Monteith and Tyler Monteith; her mother, Myrtle Syverson; sisters, Ione (Richard) Bosch, Peni (Gary) Ramsey, Evelyn Syverson (Tim Post), Fay (Tim) White and Vicki (Charlo) Lederle; 9 grandchildren; 1 great- grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Wesley Syverson.

The family would like to thank the staff from Whatcom Hospice, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and especially Dr. Montgomery for everything that was done to extend Betty's quality of life. They would also like to thank her longtime special friend, Norma Hyland, who spent many days with Betty doing whatever "the queen" wanted, as well as helping to care for her with other family members the last few months of her life. Contributions in Betty's honor can be made to The Whatcom Hospice Foundation.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Lemley Chapel in Sedro- Woolley with a reception to follow at the Sedro-Woolley Eagles.