Betty B. Kelson

Betty B. Kelson

Betty B. Kelson of Moscow died Thursday, May 2, 2019 at her home surrounded by family. She was 83 years old.

Betty was born Sept. 5, 1935, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the 12th child of Charles and Nellie Johnson Washburn. She grew up, attended school, and graduated from high school in Bonners Ferry, class of 1953.

Betty and LeRoy R. Kelson were married in Bonners Ferry on June 20, 1953. The couple lived there as Betty stayed home and raised not only her children, but some grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They moved to Moscow officially in 1995 after LeRoy purchased Bennett Distributors, changing it to Kelson Distributors.

Betty was an avid bridge player and was involved with various bridge clubs over the years. She also enjoyed bingo, riding the bus to casinos, cooking, playing golf, and gardening. An avid RV camper, she was a member of the Northwest Travelers and loved spending her summers camping with friends. Betty was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and will be remembered for her love of family and friends.

Betty is survived by her husband of nearly 66 years, LeRoy, at their Moscow home, her son Craig Kelson of Bonners Ferry, daughter, Criss Kelson of Moscow and grandchildren, Brenda Ubhoff of Kalispell, Mont., Clinton Ubhoff of Moscow, Jessika Foti of Post Falls, Cody Kelson of Spokane, and Mathew Kelson of Coeur d’Alene. She also has eight great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her eight sisters and three brothers.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at the Moscow Eagles Lodge on Main Street; a small lunch will be served. Another celebration will be scheduled later in the summer in Bonners Ferry.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, PO Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shorts funeralchapel.net.