Betty Allene Fine, lovingly known as "Gramma Great" to her family, passed away quietly at her Rochester home of 52½ years on April 24, 2025, with a son, daughter and great-grandson by her side. She was 91.
Born Aug. 16, 1933, in Stanwood, Washington, Betty was raised by her beloved grandparents, Marshall T. and Lauretta A. Brown. Her early years were shaped by their steady hands and strong values, which she carried with her throughout her life.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Willard Fine; her parents, Arnold O. (Sandy) and Clara L. Sandell; her grandparents, Marshall and Lauretta Brown; her sisters, Laura Lee Skorstad, Bonnie McCarty and Mary Lou Peterson; brothers, Jerry Sandell, Jim Sandell and Bob Sandell; son-in-law, Mike Schultz; granddaughters, Jennica R. Howell and great-granddaughter, Afton A. Wright; and her cherished four-footed companions.
She is survived by her seven children: Kathy Saunders (Jeff), Patricia Amos (Neal), Peggy Schultz, Jim Fine (Debbie), Steve Fine (Loralee), Daniel Fine and Bryan Fine (Candace), as well as her sister Pat Razzoré. Betty also leaves behind 39 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who will carry forward her love, wisdom and many traditions—and let’s not forget her four-legged, self-appointed caregiver, Lola.
A fiercely dedicated mother and grandmother, Betty built a life centered around her family. She raised seven children with unwavering strength and grace, maintaining a welcoming home where the door was always open — and you were guaranteed never to leave hungry.
Throughout her life, Betty worked hard: cleaning houses, ironing, waitressing, as an employee of Centralia Plywood for many years, and at the law office of Stephen T. Carmick in Chehalis, Washington, where she met her longtime friend Sharon. In 1989, she joined the family business, working as a title clerk for her sons, Jim and Steve, where she worked until retiring in 2020. She continued to do her own yard work until 2021—a testament to her independence and strength of spirit.
Betty had a remarkable memory for dates and details, recalling even the smallest moments with perfect clarity. Her legacy lives on in her lovingly coined “Bettyisms,” her fabulous family recipes — especially her famous banana bread, pull-a-parts, homemade icing and jam—and the many lives she touched with her wit, warmth and wisdom. Betty’s cinnamon rolls and banana bread were frequently sought after to support Rochester sports and Harley group fundraisers, where the Harley club called her “Mama Harley.”
Betty’s love of dogs and children was evident in her generous support of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, LDS Humanitarian Aid and the West Valley Animal Shelter, reflecting her kind heart and compassionate spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 18501 Paulson Street SW, Rochester, Washington.
Please join Betty’s family at her Celebration of Life … all are welcome!
To make a memorial contribution in Betty’s honor to either St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the West Valley Animal Shelter, please reach out to the family for details.
Betty’s presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
