Betty Lou Jones, 97, a beloved resident of Santa, Idaho, passed away peacefully at her home on October 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was a remarkable little lady with a big personality, an adventurous spirit, and a heart full of love. In her 97 wonderful years, she collected enough memories, stories, laughter, and adventures to fill several lifetimes. She had a zest for life that never seemed to fade, and she certainly knew how to make the most of every day.

Betty was born on July 9, 1929, in Eureka, California, where she grew up and graduated from Eureka Senior High School with the Class of 1946. In 1948, she married Henry Wyatt, and although the marriage later ended in divorce, life still had a beautiful love story waiting for her. On September 4, 1960, Betty married the love of her life, Paul Jones, in Carson City, Nevada. Together, they built a wonderful life filled with hard work, laughter, travel, and more than a few adventures along the way.

Betty and Paul owned and operated a variety store for several years before Betty decided to pursue a different career. She became a secretary and bookkeeper for the George M. Sheffield Company, a consulting firm serving wineries and vineyards throughout California's Napa Valley. She enjoyed her work and remained with the company for five and a half years.

While living in St. Helena, California, the couple found themselves with a new neighbor when Sutter Home Winery moved onto the property next to their home. Eventually, Betty and Paul packed up and moved on to their next chapter, making homes in Etna, California, Rogue River, and Cave Junction, Oregon, over the years. Never ones to sit still for long, the couple enjoyed buying homes, fixing them up, and selling them for a profit during their retirement. For Betty and Paul, retirement certainly didn't mean slowing down!

While living in Etna in 1994, Betty volunteered at the local library, giving her time to a community she enjoyed. She had a special love for gardening, birdwatching, and all of God's little creatures. Her property was a safe haven for wildlife, and hunting was strictly off-limits. Betty made sure the birds and animals were well-fed, and even the neighborhood raccoons knew where to find a good meal. She had a soft spot for anything with feathers or fur, and the wildlife around her home undoubtedly appreciated her generosity.

Betty was also a lady who loved a good time. She enjoyed visiting the Fernwood Senior Center, playing bingo, and spending time with friends. Thursday card nights were something she eagerly anticipated, especially when the games were 31 or Seven. She loved the friendly competition, the conversation, and, most of all, the laughter that came with being surrounded by good company.

To say Betty lived an adventurous life would be an understatement. She flew in helicopters and glider planes, and on one memorable adventure, she even spent the night in a treehouse! She visited the Grand Canyon, enjoyed wine tours, and never shied away from trying something new. She also had quite a sense of humor and loved playing pranks. One of her favorite stories involved the time she was robbed on a train. While most people might not find much humor in such an experience, Betty could look back on it and laugh. She had a wonderful way of turning life's unexpected moments into stories worth telling.

Family was always important to Betty, and she had a special way of making ordinary occasions feel extraordinary. Mother's Day was one of those treasured traditions, when family would gather and visit her in St. Helena. Those visits created wonderful memories that would be cherished for years to come.

Following the passing of her beloved Paul, Betty moved to Santa, Idaho, in 2021 to be closer to family. Although she was well into her nineties, she wasn't about to give up enjoying life. Some of her favorite days were her special "girls' days" in North Idaho with her niece Kristie Hunter and friends Rona Lynch and Tina Smith. Whether the destination was Coeur d'Alene, Spokane, Moscow, or Lewiston, Betty was always ready for a day of shopping, a nice lunch, and perhaps a movie. The destination wasn't nearly as important as the company, and she looked forward to every outing. Those days were filled with laughter, conversation, and the simple joy of being together.

Betty had a wonderful ability to make people smile. She was spunky, fun-loving, independent, and just mischievous enough to keep everyone on their toes. She embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm, never allowing her age to define what she could enjoy. Whether she was tending her garden, feeding a raccoon, enjoying a card game, or heading off on another adventure, Betty found happiness in the little things while making some pretty big memories along the way.

She is survived by her loving niece, Kristie and her husband Rodney Hunter of Santa, Idaho; nephew Kevin and his wife Kayla Brett of Loleta, California; great-nieces Kinley, Kenzie, and Trenna; her longtime best friend from Cave Junction, Mary Moneze; and her dear friends in the Upriver area, Serenity Gustin and Patsy Warneke. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Jones, and her brother, Jerry Brett.

At 97 years young, Betty had certainly earned her rest, but what a beautiful life she lived along the way. She leaves behind a lifetime of wonderful stories, treasured friendships, and memories that will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who loved her.

Betty's life is a beautiful reminder that growing older doesn't mean growing old at heart. Adventure has no age limit, laughter is always worth sharing, and a life well-lived is measured not just in years, but in the love and memories we leave behind.

Rest peacefully, sweet Betty. What an incredible ride it was!