Oct. 8, 1928 – Nov. 29, 2016
Betty Onsum Graves passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Nov. 29, 2016 in Eastsound, Wash.
Betty F. Richmond was born in Los Angeles, CA on October 8, 1928. She graduated from Fresno High School in 1945, and attended Whitworth College in Spokane, WA where she met and married Keith R. Onsum in 1949. Keith’s brother, Owen Onsum, had also married a Betty, and so the fun began with the two Betty Onsums. Betty and Keith made their home in Bellingham for 20 years, where they raised five children, boated in the San Juan Islands, and operated their business together, Keith Onsum Insurance Agency, until Keith’s untimely death in 1969.
In 1971, Betty married childhood friend Gordon Graves and moved to Fresno, CA. There, Betty continued her insurance career as Senior Underwriter for United Pacific Insurance Co. Betty and Gordon celebrated 43 years of marriage before his death in November 2014.
Betty courageously battled Multiple Sclerosis for 28 years. Her strength and sense of adventure led her to return to her beloved northwest in June 2015, where she lived in Bellingham briefly before moving to Orcas Island. Betty enjoyed cooking, boating, sailing, traveling and visiting with family and friends. She loved her blended family and adored her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and considered herself truly blessed by the Providence of God.
Betty was preceded in death by sons David R. Graves and K. Eric Onsum. Betty is survived by daughters Ruth Onsum of Springfield, OR, Mary Graves of Fresno, CA, Carol Onsum Pierce of Bakersfield, CA, Janis Onsum Ghazel of Eastsound, sons Steve Graves of Clovis, CA, Hal Onsum of Bakersfield, CA, sisters Joan Leeper of Everson, WA, Laura Gale of Brentwood, CA, nephews John Onsum of Eastsound, David Onsum of Eastsound and Bakersfield, CA and niece Judy Fortenberry of Eastsound and Bakersfield, CA.
Betty’s faith in salvation through Jesus Christ guided her life, and she strived to live as God’s good and faithful servant. In the midst of our sorrow, we rejoice that Betty is truly Home for Christmas.
