Betty Jane Steensma

Betty Jane Steensma of Moscow died Friday, January 2, 2015 at Good Samaritan Moscow Village. She was 97. Betty was born at the family home in the Cottonwood area on December 7, 1917 to Herman A. and Alice G. Weinman Weigand. Her mother died when she was small and she lived with relatives, attending school at Troy and Moscow High, graduating from there. She worked at Washburn-Wilson Seed Company for a time prior to her marriage to Harry R. Steensma in Moscow on August 13, 1937. They made their home in Moscow where she raised her family, later working as a cook for Russell, Lena Whitmore and McDonald Elementary Schools, as well as the Junior High and High School. She was an active Girl Scout leader for 30 years and a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and active in the women's circle there. She also enjoyed camping with her grandchildren. Surviving are her daughters, Kathy and Jack Starr of Tacoma, Karen and Jack Bashaw of Moscow, Becky and Tom Day of Aberdeen, WA and Shelley Hahn of Pullman. She also leaves her longtime companion, John Steensma as well as 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, in 1994, a daughter, JoAnn in 2003, brothers, Jack and Gainford, sisters, Faye and Hartha and a grandson, Dan Bashaw in 2000. A graveside service will be held Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Moscow Cemetery. Viewing will be Monday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Short's Funeral Chapel in Moscow and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net. The family suggests memorials be made to the Girl Scouts of America or to the Moscow Ambulance Fund.