Betty Jane Schouten

Betty Jane Schouten, 82, passed away Tuesday, June 29th, 2010 of natural causes with her family by her side. She is preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Clarence Schouten.

She was born November 28th, 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to John Earl Jones and Nellie Jones. She grew up with her four brothers; Monroe, Ellsworth, Henry and Greg, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

She married Clarence Schouten in Grand Rapids, Michigan on June 17th, 1949 where they first met while studying at Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music.

Betty was a very caring and loving mother to her six children: Daniel, Brenda, Jeffrey, Dudley, Judith and Timothy. While raising the family, she loved to care for others as well. She enjoyed caring for less fortunate children at the Children's Orphanage in Casper, Wyoming from 1965 to 1971 and received a service award from the Governor of Wyoming. Earlier she cared for children in the Milwaukee area, including the children of future President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford. Her care giving continued after moving to Pocatello and assisting the elderly at Hillcrest Haven & Eastgate Convalescent Center. Later in life she worked at Lamb Weston in American Falls and retired after 20 years in 1989 at age 62.

Besides being a warm and caring mother, Betty had a wonderful sense of humor and wanted the best for all her children. Her passions were listening to Gospel music and God's word, sewing, making dolls and donating them to children hospitals. She enjoyed crocheting, making holiday crafts and baby shoes, and tending to her flower garden. Betty also enjoyed the many family outings throughout the West and Southwest states.

Betty is survived by her six children: Daniel Schouten (Lydia) of Goodnews Bay, Alaska; Bren Feightner (Ron) of Portland, Oregon; Jeffrey Schouten (Debbie) of Spanaway, Washington; Dudley Schouten of Tacoma, Washington; Judy Clark of Pocatello, Idaho; Timothy Schouten (Maria) of Portland, Oregon; 9 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.

A joint family funeral service will be held for both Betty and Clarence Schouten at the Veterans Administration Cemetery in Boise where Betty and Clarence will be joined again along with our heavenly father.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Highland Hills for all their support and care of Betty.

Arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave.