Long-time Friday Harbor resident Betty J. Hood, 88, died July 28, 2010, in Orem, Utah, after suffering a stroke.
Service is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 7, at 3 p.m. at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church.
Betty was born on Jan. 4, 1922, in Pryor, Okla., to Clinton R. and Winifred C. Jackson. She grew up in Adair, Okla., and graduated from high school there in 1939.
During World War II, Betty worked as a lab technician for Oklahoma Ordnance Works near Pryor and for the Manhattan Project at Hanford Engineering Works in Richland, Wash.
She met her future husband Donald Hood in Pryor, and they were married in Richland on Nov. 22, 1945.
After the war, Betty and Don moved to College Station, Texas, where Betty continued to work in labs at Texas A&M University while Don pursued his doctorate in biochemistry. In was in Texas that their three daughters — Rebecca, Barbara, and Susan — were born.
From 1963-64, the family spent a memorable year in Nottingham, England, where they made lifelong friends, explored the British countryside, and traveled across Europe.
In 1965, Don accepted a position with the Institute of Marine Science at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Betty drove the girls up the Alcan Highway to their new home.
She raised her children for 12 years in Fairbanks, accepting the rigors of life in the north and embracing the unique lifestyle and community. For many years, she entertained scientists, dignitaries and countless friends from around the world in the family home near campus. Betty’s fine cooking and hospitality were widely known and appreciated, and her grace and generosity endeared her to many.
She was active in the American Association of University Women and the P.E.O. Sisterhood.
Betty and Don retired to San Juan Island and in 1977 built a home on Marsh Road in Three Meadows that would become a beloved family retreat for 23 years. Together, they cultivated an orchard with 100 trees and a one-acre garden.
For many years, Betty was an active member of the San Juan Horticultural Society and a dedicated volunteer at the San Juan County Fair. Friends and family members have fond memories of the many times she surprised them with fresh fruit or produce, often tucked secretly into their bags or dropped quietly on their doorstep.
In 1999, Betty and Don moved to The Oaks on Douglas Road, and Betty remained there when Don died in 2002. She continued to entertain regularly and treasured spending time with her many friends on the island.
Betty found special joy in the fellowship of the congregation at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church, where she volunteered regularly. In 2007, Betty moved to Orem, Utah, to be closer to family. She continued to maintain close ties to Friday Harbor, returning regularly to visit.
Betty is remembered as someone who valued her family above all, and took special delight in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also remembered for the great example she set for generosity, compassion, and unconditional love.
Betty is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law: Rebecca and Scott Davis of Orem, Utah; Barbara Hood and Dirk Sisson of Anchorage, Alaska; and Susan and Blaine Sisson of Fairbanks, Alaska.
She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Jason Davis, Katie (and Bryan) Kindred, Amanda (and Denny) Webb, Erin (and Blake) Huff, Molly Davis, Megan Davis, Matthew Sisson, Anna Rose Sisson, and Emily Sisson.
She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, Collin, Austin, Gavin and Kylie Kindred; Taylor, Scott and Dylan Webb; and Kaleb and Maylee Huff.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials donations be made to the youth program at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church or to Habitat for Humanity.
— Family of Betty J. Hood
