Kathryn (Bettie) Moyer | 1929-2021

Kathryn Elizabeth Moyer: Born Nov. 11, 1929, died Jan. 3, 2021, 91 years young,, passed away peacefully while holding her daughter’s hands. A 53 year resident of Friday Harbor. It is with sorrow the family and friends say goodbye to a wonderful strong lady. Active in the community, friends of all ages and walks of life. Thankful for all her kind fabulous cherished friends. She was a true islander and character. Daughter of Guy and Inez Michael, married to Grant Moyer for 59 years, widowed 2013. Survived by three children (Michael Moyer, Mark Moyer and Kathryn Moyer II (Danner), and many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Career and achievements summarized:

Graduate class of 1948 Lincoln High School, attended University of Washington and Bellevue Community College.

A 45 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

She worked at Boeing in the spares department. Then as a dental hygienist. A fabulous mother! 16 years Bellevue, Lake Hills resident raising the kids. In 1956 she began living on the Island on the old MacCreay farm (Captain Picketts house), at the South End, were the family jointly farmed several hundred sheep with John Lawson. In 1960 she successfully negotiated to have the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers build the access road to South Beach. This was done in exchange for allowing the U.S Army to perform practice maneuvers on the beach and surrounding land, now known as American Camp. The Parks Department later named the road Pickett Lane and Salmon Banks Rd. Kathryn was also a garden & flower show judge and designed the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair gardening program exhibitor claim checks. After moving back to Friday Harbor, she became San Juan County Auditor’s Clerk (1972–1976). Founded the San Juan County Fair Moyer perpetual trophy for the 4-H Horse High Point. As entrepreneur and Master IJO Jeweler (1976–2003) proprietor of Silver Thistle antique/gift shop, converting it to Moyer’s Jewelry fine jewelry/gifts. President, Pacific Northwest Jewelers Association of Washington/Alaska (1991-1993). Seattle Community College District: Served on North Seattle Community College Technical Advisory Committee for the Watch & Clock program (1992-1995). Received 1999 Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Jewelers of America Acknowledgement of Moyer’s Jewelry in the development and enhancement of the museum’s Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals.

She will be missed by many!

A gathering to remember Kathryn (Bettie), will be coordinated once the Legion re-opens. Date TBD.