Bette (Bett) Ann Fried passed away peacefully Aug. 31, 2026, in Centralia, Washington.
Bett was born April 2, 1964, in the old Chehalis hospital to Robert E. (Buster) and Elinor J. Baker. Thirteen minutes later, her best friend and identical twin sister, Barbara Ann, followed her into the world.
Bett was a 13-year graduate of the Rochester School District in 1982. No, she didn’t flunk sandbox; she and Barb always counted kindergarten.
During her youth, Bett worked for D&D Box Co., making wooden boxes for ash ornaments after Mount St. Helens erupted. Dale and Debbie, owners of D&D Box Co., were lifelong friends of Bett.
Bett loved going to the beach to fly her kite and going camping. No glamping; we had to rough it.
Bett married Dale Rich in 1986. Their son, Nathaniel G. Rich, was born Nov. 11, 1986. Bett was extremely proud of Nathaniel and would brag about him anytime she had the chance.
Bett met David Fried in 1999 at the Centralia Eagles. After he asked twice, she decided he wasn’t going to give up, and they went on their first date Jan. 14, 2000. They were married on May 28, 2005, and shared 21 more years together.
Bett leaves behind her husband, David; her son, Nathaniel, and his wife, Jessica; her older sister, Glenda, and her husband, Dick; two nieces, Suzanna and Dyan; four great-nieces, Caitland, her husband, Treven, Abigail, Caydence and Jayden; one great-nephew, Hunter; and many friends. She has moved on to be with her parents, Robert E. and Elinor J. Baker; her twin sister and best friend, Barb; and their little brother, Bruce.
There will be a celebration of life at a date to be determined. In the spring, her ashes will be laid to rest with her sister Barb and Barb’s love, Conrad.
