Betty Ruth Whiteman, was born on September 1, 1944, in Ogden, Utah. Betty was born the youngest child to Wesley and Ruby Owens, whom had 7 children (Gloria, Ralph, Gail, Bob, Rod, Bill). She spent the first six years of her life in Utah before her family moved to Kuna, Idaho in 1950. The Owens family purchased a 40 acre farm in Happy Valley where Betty enjoyed playing in the outdoors and riding the family calf. Betty learned the value of hard work at a young age. Babysitting and topping corn are just a few ways she earned money to buy school clothes. In the summer, the Owens family attended the Snake River Stampede, went shopping in Boise, and took trips to the Lagoon in Utah. She was a loving child that loved her family dearly. Betty often said she "never knew hunger or lack or love" growing up. At a young age Betty became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and remained a faithful follower her entire life. Her religious upbringing fostered her loving, caring, and generous attitude. Betty graduated from Kuna High School on May 24, 1962. During her K-12 education she received several awards for academic success and meritorious achievement. Before her senior year, Betty earned enough money to take a solo trip to Utah, which she was extremely proud of. In Utah her cousin Dennis introduced her to a guitar player named Robert Anderson. Robert and Betty became best friends and were married on July 13, 1962. They had 4 wonderful children (Darrell, Scott, Ruth, Gina). Betty often teased her sons saying she wanted 4 daughters. Betty opted to stay home and raise the children while Robert worked as an upholstery specialist. In 1976, they divorced and Betty moved the family to Nampa, Idaho. Shortly after she starting working at Mercy Hospital, where her desire to help people flourished. In 1978 Betty married Donald Eller. During their marriage Don and Betty took the family on several out-of-state vacations, which included stops along the Pacific coast, the Grand Canyon, and Arizona. During this period Betty worked at World of Fancy Floral shop, where she stayed for 6 years. Betty loved working on wedding arrangements and how happy it would make the newlyweds. Her favorite flowers were yellow and pink carnations. Yellow and pink were her favorite colors. After leaving World of Fancy, Betty worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant at Nampa Care Center. She worked as a CNA for 28 years, during that time making friendships that would last her whole life. After 13 years of marriage Don passed away. Despite the hardships in her life, Betty was always optimistic. She spent her free time helping raise her grandchildren and making her community a better place. In 1994, Betty met Albert Whiteman. On June 15, 1995 they were married. Al's love for travelling and photography were a perfect match for Betty's. They took countless trips, documented all their adventures, and collect souvenirs. Betty claimed she was a "camera bug." She loved taking pictures of her family. Al and Betty purchased a house together in Nampa and loved to host family gatherings and holidays. Betty decorated the entire house for every holiday, and would also send out cards to relatives every holiday/graduation/birthday/anniversary. She had an impeccable memory and loved sharing family history. In 2003, Al passed away, shortly followed by Robert Anderson in 2005. Despite losing 3 husbands, Betty was a resilient woman and never gave up. Betty became heavily involved in the Nampa 18th Ward, making new friends that lasted until the end. In 2019, Betty's 3rd child, Ruth, passed away. The lost was devastating for Betty, as she relied heavily on family and friends for support. Betty Ruth Whiteman was an amazing woman that will missed dearly by those in her life. She loved photography, traveling, and baking. More than anything she loved her family, friends, and neighbors. She would have done anything to help them. Betty is survived by Bob Owens (Sandy, UT), Rod Owens (Caldwell, ID), Bill Owens (South Jordan, UT), Darrell Anderson (Ogden, UT), Scott (Herriman, UT), and Gina Palmer (Prineville, OR). Betty is preceded in death by Ruby Owens (Mother), Wesley Owens (Father), Gail Alvaro, Gloria Johnson (Sisters), Ralph Owens (Brother), and Ruth Robertson (Daughter). Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, Friday, January 8, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2102 E Amity Ave in Nampa with a viewing from 9 to 9:45 AM prior to the services. Burial will be in the Kuna Cemetery. To read the obituary or express condolences please visit ZeyerFuneralChapel.com. 208-467-7300
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