Betty Linnea Kinnaman, a cherished mother, grandmother and friend, peacefully passed away on Feb. 9, 2025, in Sequim, Washington, at the age of 81.
Born on May 27, 1943, in California to Wayne and Norma Vancil, Betty spent her childhood in Yelm, Washington.
After graduating from Yelm High School, Betty had a rewarding career with the Yelm School District. She began as an aide at the middle school and later transitioned to the central office, working in the purchasing department.
Betty married Cliff Kinnaman in December 1962, though they divorced in 1986. As a proud mother, she raised her two sons, Alan and Steve, and fostered in them a lifelong passion for learning and reading.
Betty was an enthusiastic reader and loved mysteries, historical novels and literature about the early Pacific Northwest and its explorers. She was also known for her exceptional quilting talents, crafting beautiful quilts for family members. In her later years, she developed a love for needlepoint, creating intricate pieces that she generously gifted to her loved ones.
Her interests included genealogy, as she delved into her family's history and shared her discoveries with her family, helping them connect with their roots. Betty found joy in exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, often visiting the stunning coasts of Oregon and Washington, which held a significant place in her heart.
After retiring, Betty relocated multiple times to be near her grandchildren. She settled in Walla Walla, where she joined the Christ Lutheran Church and contributed by making charity blankets. In 2012, she moved to Eugene, Oregon, and most recently, she resided in Port Angeles, Washington.
Preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Norma Vancil, Betty is survived by her devoted sons, Alan and Steve Kinnaman, and their spouses, Brenda and Stephanie; her sisters, Jean Flowers and Kris Hardesty (Dale Hardesty); her brother, Ed Vancil; her cherished grandchildren, Silas and Micha; along with many nieces and nephews.
