Betty was born in Anyox, a frontier copper mining town, in British Columbia on May 31, 1926, to David and Annie Bengtson along with her fraternal twin sister Bernice. When the girls were only 1 ½, the young family moved to Sumner, Washington where they joined David's brother Victor, his wife Alma and their two daughters Mildred and Charlotte to operate a poultry and berry farm.
The four Bengtson girls, who naturally grew quite close, attended primary school in Alderton and high school in Sumner. Though shy by nature, Betty was elected May Queen of Sumner High during her senior year. In addition to school work and farm chores Betty developed a lifelong love of reading as well as becoming an accomplished pianist.
After graduation in 1944 Betty began her adult life working in several clerical positions in Sumner. It was at this time that she was introduced to David Larson, the son of a North Dakota farm family who had recently moved to Puyallup to work in his uncle's store. A relationship developed and on September 10, 1949 they were married. After living several years in Puyallup the couple moved to Ballard, Dave having become the manager of a paint store in downtown Seattle. It was at this time that Steven, the first of their two sons was born.
Their next move found them in Burien, building a home and layout out what would become an extensive garden; gardening would prove to be a lifelong passion for the two of them. It was while at this house that their second son, Paul, was born in 1962.
In addition to managing a home and raising two children, Betty became active in several organizations, among them the Children's Orthopedic Hospital Guild and Lake Burien Presbyterian Church where she volunteered in numerous positions. Throughout these and other pursuits her inclination to make and maintain lasting friendships flourished.
1985. Another new house and another gardening challenge. The larger kitchen provided Betty with an even better place to cook and bake those foods that friends and family had come to love.
When in 1991 Dave passed away, Betty chose to stay in their home. Though dealing with her loss was difficult, she at first tentatively and then with more assurance, continued with her life as best she could. The arrival of two granddaughters, Molly and Courtney, only served to revitalize and increase her love of family.
Most of Betty's last few years were spent at Fernwood, a retirement home near Paul and Kelly, where she was able to spend time with one of her oldest friends, Doris Wright, as well as make new friends. Throughout the last few months at an adult home in Des Moines Betty received the care she needed from both staff and loving family and friends.
And now, after 21 years, it as she wanted it: Betty and Dave.