Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Metcalf

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Metcalf, age 86, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2014, in Olympia, WA, surrounded by her family. Betty was born to William and Margaret Bolton in Cleveland, OH. After graduating from high school, she attended dental nurses’ training school in San Francisco and began her career as a dental assistant. In 1951, she met and married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Metcalf. Betty’s greatest pleasure in life was her family. She was a loving wife and devoted mother, and found great joy in staying home to raise her four children. In 1974, Betty went back to college, attending Fort Steilacoom Community College (Pierce) in Lakewood, WA to earn her degree as a dental hygienist and worked in offices in Lakewood and Vancouver, WA. Betty and Bob were avid square dancers and cloggers and proud members of “Dates and Mates” square dance club for many years. Summers were always spent camping and exploring the great outdoors with family. Upon retiring, Betty and Bob pursued their dreams to travel. They sold their home and hit the road, living out a grand adventure of full-time RV living. They traveled through every state in the USA, as well as Mexico, Canada, England, Australia and New Zealand. As members of the Wally Byam Caravan Club, they enjoyed the travels, adventures, and education, as well as the wonderful friends they made along the way. In 1992, Betty and Bob set up residence at Washington Land Yacht Harbor in Lacey, WA. Betty was very active in the administration of this community, serving as First Lady in 2002-2003 when Bob was President, Assistant Secretary for two separate terms, as well as Corresponding Secretary for three years. She will be remembered for her positive energy, enthusiasm and willingness to always lend a helping hand. Betty was a 20- year survivor of breast cancer and loved participating annually in the Koman Race for the Cure. In September 2014, she proudly walked the 5K Race for the Cure and was honored and surprised at the closing ceremony as 40,000 participants sang happy birthday to her. An avid cruiser, Betty was awarded the “Mariners Award” while on her cruise to Peru in November for having sailed over 100 days at sea in her lifetime. Betty will always be remembered as a kind and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She will live in our hearts forever and inspire us to continue the legacy she started. Live, Laugh and Love! Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Robert Lee Metcalf, in 2013; and her brother, William M. Bolton III. She is survived by her sons, Martin (Lori) Metcalf of West Valley City, UT, and William (Becky) Metcalf of Ponte Vedra, FL; and her daughters, Kelley (John) Rogers of Park City, UT, and Maggie Metcalf of Vancouver, WA; seven grandchildren, Jessica Metcalf, and Hallie (Sean) Cercone, Jason and Scott (Katie) Metcalf, Jake and Alex Rogers, and Kylie Young; four great-grandchildren, Preston and Scarlett Metcalf, and Snow and Jazz Cercone; and her sisters, Barbara Cole, Grants Pass, OR, Margaret White, San Jose, CA, and Eileen Cooper, Yuma, AZ. Please leave memories of Betty or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.