Betsy M. Dawson

DECLO – Betsy M. Dawson of Declo, Idaho, passed peacefully after a short illness on Monday the 3rd of June 2013, at the age of 87. She was surrounded by many loving family members.

Betsy was born on Feb. 16, 1926, in Arcade, N.Y., to the late Chauncey Allan and Sarah Ann Mitchell. Also preceding her in death was her brother, Chauncey Thomas Mitchell.

She attended Dover High School and North Park Business School in New York. She married her husband, Irwin J. Dawson (Jim) on Oct. 4, 1944, in Wilmington, Del. She was employed by Goetz Oil Corporation from 1942 to 1944 in Buffalo, N.Y., and General Tire Company from 1944 to 1946. Later, she was employed by Tecot Electric Supply Company of Wilmington as an officer and member of the board of directors for 23 years. Betsy enjoyed serving her family and others. This was demonstrated by her volunteering for many years at Beebe Medical Center and being an active member of the Lewes Senior Center, where she served as an officer for more than 12 years. She was a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since she and Jim converted in 1956. She held several callings including stake auditor for 12 years.

Betsy loved water sports, biking, walking, crocheting and reading. After retiring, Jim and Betsy moved to Lewes, Del., making it easier to participate in these activities. She especially loved to travel west to visit children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. When both in their 80s, she gave into Jim’s idea of moving to Idaho. They built a home next door to their youngest child, Jan. This allowed her to have a large garden they tended together.

Betsy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who will be missed by the many people who love her. She loved her family very much and would do anything to help them.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Irwin J. Dawson; her children, David M. Dawson (Cathy) of Provo, Utah, Keith J. Dawson (Eileen) of Hockessin, Del., and Jan D. Mitchell (Lynn) of Declo, Idaho; ten grandchildren; and 23.5 great-grandchildren.

We would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Jeff Swenson and the staff at Minidoka Memorial Hospital as well as Dr. Greg Ball and the staff at St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center for their kind and compassionate care.

A viewing for family and friends will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, June 7, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St, in Burley.

A graveside service and burial will take place at Gracelawn Memorial Park in New Castle, Del.