Bettie Rae (Sheppard) John, 89, passed away on August 1, 2017 in Longview, WA.  Bettie was a long time resident of Clarkston, WA until September 2016 when she relocated to be near her children due to declining health.  

Bettie was born on September 28, 1927 in Palouse, WA to Marvel and Pearl (Babb) Sheppard.  After graduation from Palouse High School, she married Ralph M. John in Palouse, WA on September 23, 1945. In 1951 the couple relocated to Pomeroy, WA where they raised their two children.  Bettie was a homemaker, clerked at Brown's Drug Store, then began her banking career at Rainier National Bank.  In 1970 Ralph's second career in Real Estate led them to the Lewiston-Clarkston area where Bettie continued her banking career as Secretary and Loan Officer at the Rainier National Bank, Clarkston branch.  She was Manager of the Asotin branch of Valley Bank when she retired in December 1992.

After the death of her husband in 1993, Bettie worked for several more years at the Asotin County Treasurers Office.  Bettie was involved in several community organizations and will be remembered for her life-long philosophy of helping others and remaining active.  While still working, she was active in the Soroptimist Women's Organization.   She also was a weekly volunteer at the Clarkston Public Library and served as treasurer of the Asotin United Methodist church, participating in many fundraising activities there.  Upon retirement, Bettie became a committed volunteer at the Asotin County Food Bank, serving for 15 years, including two terms as Vice President, and earning several service hours awards.  

Bettie was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, her brother Marvel Jr., and her parents.  She is survived by her daughter Dorothy Belknap and husband DJ Flournoy (Norman, OK), her son Wayne John and wife Glenda (Kelso, WA), her sister Donna Worman and husband Robert (Auburn, WA), 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren & 2 great-great grandchildren.  

A memorial service will be held at the Clarkston United Methodist Church on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 10:00 am followed by an urn committal at the Greenwood Cemetery in Palouse, WA at 2:00 pm.  Memorials may be sent to the Asotin County Food Bank, Clarkston, WA. Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse is assisting the family with local arrangements.

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