Betty Lou (Rhodes) Summers

Betty Lou (Rhodes) Summers, age 84, of Grants Pass, transitioned quietly and peacefully in her sleep Monday, September 15, 2014 at her son’s home in Grants Pass. She has been gathered to her family in heaven for that great reunion.

A memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors with Pastor Mark Skudstad officiating.

Betty was born December 11, 1929 in Grand Saline, Texas the youngest of six sisters. Her mother, Ethel Lucille Cates, was the daughter of a well-respected farmer, Winfred Valentine “Vollie” Cates and his wife, Minnie Beatrice (Morris) Cates. Her father, Bert Bunyon Rhodes, was the son of Thomas Jefferson and Mary Ella (McGuire) Rhodes. Her step-father, Adrian Darling spent many years helping parent Betty. She had four sisters who survived child hood and were very close all their lives.

In 1948 she married Rufus Sequoia Guthrie and gave birth to two sons, Bert Adrian and Russell Glen. They divorced and she later married Larry Gilbertson and they welcomed Larry Dean and Jimmy Lee before later divorcing.

Betty held many jobs but her main vocation was as a waitress. Her friendliness and never meeting a stranger made her an excellent waitress. She had many repeat customers.

Betty’s main love and focus were her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her vast extended family. She also loved attending family reunions, traveling and, oh yes, DANCING!

Betty is survived by children, Bert, Glen, Larry Dean and his wife, Rene; grandchildren, Brandi Kent, Heather Guthrie Farmer and Jeremy Guthrie, Errett Guthrie, Larry Gilbertson and his twin Gary Gilbertson, Jennifer Gilbertson Dryden, Rachel Gilbertson, Hannah Gilbertson, Michael Gilbertson, and Nathanael Gilbertson and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her sisters, Fairy, Minnie Rue, Willie Augustine, Bonnie, and Lillian; her son, James Lee “Jimmy Lee” and her parents.