Elizabeth "Betty" Lissman

Elizabeth (Betty) Louise Lissman, born April 1, 1937 died August 21, 2020 surrounded by family. A Celebration of Betty's Life will be held at a later date (time, place and date to be announced.)

 Betty was born to Russell and Louise (Loomis) Smith in Nampa, Idaho.  She attended school in King Hill, Idaho to 6th grade and graduated from Nyssa High School in Nyssa, Oregon.  She married James Dayton Lissman on January 15, 1954 and they recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.  She spent three years in Portland, Oregon as a carpenter’s wife and a mother.  She returned to Nyssa and became a farmer’s wife and school bus driver.  She not only drove students to school but to many other events including the World’s Fair.

Once her five kids were in school she started working for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in Baker City.  She advanced to program supervisor in the state office in Portland, Oregon after training in every county in Oregon.  Her work was so valued in the Department of Agriculture that she was sent to Washington, D.C. multiple times a year.  After twenty years of service she was recognized with numerous awards for her exceptional contributions in conservation programs, exemplary service, distinguished achievement and excellence in leadership.

Throughout her life she supported her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in programs such as Little League, 4-H, and FFA.  She was the head cheerleader and team grandma at many of their sporting events.  After retirement, she and her husband James built their dream home in McMinnville, Oregon.  Betty volunteered at the McMinnville Library and contributed 1,000 hours to the OSU Master Gardener Program.  Betty, the youngest of five, surrounded herself with not only her five children but also numerous others from her school bus route, neighbors and family friends.  The house always had a lively crew.

Betty was known for her incredible humor, her collection of a wide variety of pets and showed her love with baking for family and friends.  Her cinnamon rolls were to die for.  In addition she held very high standards for a beautiful home and well-manicured yard. 

Betty is survived by her husband James of Baker City, son Charles (Sandy) of Boring, daughter Barbara (Dennis) Baller of Carlton, son Lorrin (Sue) Lissman of Goldendale, WA, daughter Sam (Mike) Sullivan of Baker City, son-in-law Billy Jimmy of La Grande, her brother Edward (Phyllis) Smith of Parma, Idaho as well as her fifteen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and her beloved four legged companion Tinkerbell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Willy Smith, sisters Claudia Cramer and Lenore Pounds, daughter Cheri Jimmy and great-grandson Cole Satterlee.  Betty was an inspiration and will be missed.   

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Betty, may do so to Best Friends (animal shelter, rescue & care) through Tami's Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97834.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com