Elizabeth (Betty) Dorthy Deck
Elizabeth (Betty) Dorthy Deck
May 24, 1939 - February 6, 2025
Elizabeth (Betty) Dorthy Deck, born to Martin and Anna Reichlin on May 24,1939, passed away February 6, 2025. She was the seventh of nine children and spent her childhood on a farm in Ferndale, WA.
After graduating from high school, Betty worked for Dr. Flint's medical office. She met her husband Louie Anothy Deck from Nisqually, while attending a Swiss dance. They married in 1961 and celebrated 50 wonderful years of marriage together. In 1967, they moved their family to Eatonville to start their own dairy farm, with registered Holsteins. Here, with their seven daughters, they worked to make the family farm a success.
Betty especially loved caring for the baby calves, chicks and ducklings, and piglets. She had a natural talent for fixing farm equipment and could repair a milking machine with ease. She completed numerous tasks throughout the day. Betty always had time to bake an apple pie, make fresh bread, dry fruit or can pears, applesauce, green beans or jam. She managed the bookkeeping with meticulous attention to detail. She was known for her chore lists that kept the farm and household running smoothly.
Betty had a passion for gardening, particularly raising dahlias. She was well known for her beautiful bouquets that she created for church, weddings, and her roadside stand. She had a deep love for her children, and cherished her 20 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Known for her generosity, kindness, and unwavering faith, Betty was a devoted wife, mother, and community member. She was a member of Saint Ann’s Altar Society, Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church and Choir, Tacoma Swiss Ladies' Society Helvetia, and The Ohop Grange.
Her trust in God and her Catholic faith were the cornerstones of her life. Betty has been reunited with her sweetheart, her “Schatz,” Louie and is dancing together once again.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband Louie, their infant sons Anthony and Andrew, her son-in-law Kenneth Baker, her parents Martin and Anna Reichlin, her siblings, Sr. MaryAnn Reichlin, Theresa Johnson, Marty Reichlin, Margaret Cronk, Josie Reichlin, Leonard Reichlin, and Leo Reichlin.
Betty is survived by her seven daughters: Barbara Stacy (Virg), MaryAnn Baker (Ken), Cathy Kerr (Neil), Janice Golding (Robert), Karen Kirk (Keith), Susan Meinert (Jeff), and Caroline Kinsman (Jesse). She is also survived by her sister, Catherine Finkbonner.
A memorial service will be held Fri., March 14 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Eatonville with the Rosary at 12:00 p.m. Mass will be at 1:00 p.m., with graveside burial following. The family will proceed to the Eatonville Cemetery after Mass. A reception will follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to St. Ann's Altar Society.
The mailing address for donations:
Our Lady of Good Counsel
C/O Holy Disciples Parish
10425 187th St E
Puyallup, WA 98374-9578