Elizabeth “Betsy” Anne (Date) Fenske, a lifelong resident of Centralia passed, away at her home Friday, Oct. 16, 2015. She was 75.
Betsy was born Aug. 15, 1940 in Centralia to Henry M. and Mary J. (Westley) Date. She graduated Centralia High School, class of 1958 and went on to attend Centralia College.
In 1959, Betsy married Derald L. Cox, the couple welcomed three children into the world, Susan Elizabeth (Cox) Waltrip, Steven Michael Cox and John Derald Cox and wife Marjie, between the three they blessed her with eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They later divorced in 1980.
Betsy then married Allen Fenske in 1981. They resided in Centralia and shared a love of baseball, traveling to many baseball parks together, as well as being a regular at the Mariners spring training in Arizona. Allen preceded Betsy in death.
Betsy is survived by two sisters, Mary Jane Matthews and her husband, Jerry of Napavine, Washington and Margie Smith and her husband, Gary of South Bend, Washington; two brothers, Fred Date and his wife, Mary of Palm Springs, California and John Date and his wife, Debbie of Chehalis, Washington.
Betsy will be remembered for her love of baseball, both the Mariners and Cubs. if there was a game playing you could be sure she was watching. She loved to travel and is proud to say that she had traveled to almost every state. She also enjoyed bowling and golfing.
Betsy enjoyed participating in and supporting the Lewis County Historical Museum, Daughters of the Pioneers, as well as being a part of a three generation Girl Scout family. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Women of the Moose and the American Legion Auxiliary. She also supported many other charities.
What Betsy will be remembered for most was the love she had for her family.
Betsy will be laid to rest beside her parents, at Mountain View Cemetery in Centralia Oct. 24, 2015. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Followed by a celebration of life at Centralia Square Grand Ballroom and Hotel (formerly the Elks building) 202 W. Centralia College Blvd., Centralia, WA 98531.
The family would like to invite you to visit the online obituary at www.newellhoerlings.com to leave your thoughts and condolences.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betsy’s name to the Lewis County Historical Museum.
