Betty Franz

Betty was the firstborn of George and Sydney Pietila, graduated from Kelso High School in 1946 and immediately went to work for the Longview Daily News as her lifelong career.

She and her husband Bill enjoyed years traveling on their motorcycles and a successful hobby of raising Registered Polled Herefords. Betty was a proud member and benefactor of the National Cattlemen's Association. They bought their dream farm in Castle Rock, which was taken from them by the eruption of Mount St. Helens. This then prompted them to purchase the highest farm available in Kalama, Wash.

Betty spent her retirement years volunteering at St. John Medical Center in Longview, Wash. A few of Betty's favorite things were cows, sunrises, family, tomatoes, country music, clams and more cows.

She is survived by a brother, Bob Pietila of Milton, Wash.; a sister, Lynda Salstrom of Camas, Wash.; and many nephews and nieces.

Donations may be made in her memory to the St. John Medical Center Foundation or the National Cattlemen's association.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. July 1 at Longview Memorial Park.