Betty Birdsall

Longtime Corvallis resident Betty T.Birdsall died Sunday, Dec. 11, at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. The youngest of three children, Betty was born July 17, 1926, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Fred and Ruth Tydeman. Betty attended Pocatello schools and graduated in 1948 from Idaho State University with a degree in dramatic arts. She and Robert (Bob) H. Birdsall, son of William and Iona Birdsall of Fruitland, Idaho, were married Aug. 19, 1949, in Pocatello. Bob died April 2, 1985, in Corvallis. Bob and Betty moved to Corvallis in 1952, after Bob completed graduate studies at Stanford University. Bob first worked for the Oregon State College Extension Service as an agriculture information specialist, and later became a professor at Oregon State in the Department of Journalism, until retiring in 1983. Betty obtained a teaching credential in 1960, when the family returned to Pocatello while Bob acted as temporary chairman of the Journalism Department at Idaho State University. Betty taught at Philomath Elementary School from 1962 until she retired in January 1985. Her ever-present enthusiasm for life served her well as a teacher. She placed a high value on education, instilling a love of teaching in both of her daughters. Betty took delight in learning and sharing her zest for life with others. She was loved and admired by her students, many of whom have kept in touch with her over the years. In retirement, Betty continued to find excitement and joy in her love for new music, fine art, and the ever-changing seasons of her courtyard Japanese garden. Betty also traveled extensively locally and abroad with family and friends. In 1971, the family spent four months in Europe during Bob's sabbatical leave. Upon retiring, Betty also took trips to Asia and Africa. Betty especially enjoyed traveling in Europe with her daughter Cindy, and visiting her daughter Kay and granddaughter Colleen in San Diego. In addition, Betty loved spending time with her niece, Ann Johannsen, and husband Robbie at the Oregon Coast. Betty participated in several ARTrageous Adventure Tours, and collected many special mementos to remind her these special experiences. An avid reader and tireless volunteer, Betty was active for many years in several local groups, including the OSU Folk Club and its Monday Evening Book Club and Gourmet Luncheon Group, the Assistance League of Corvallis, and PEO Chapter S. Survivors include her two daughters, Cynthia Birdsall and husband, Peter Scherfer, of Heidelberg, Germany, and Kay (Edward) MacIsaac of San Diego; granddaughter Colleen (Andrew) Piroutek of San Diego; two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Kinsey of San Diego; and several nieces and nephews with whom she stayed in close contact. Her brothers Stephen and Robert are deceased. A celebration of life gathering will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, in the chapel of the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, 333 N.W. 35th St. in Corvallis. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that contributions in memory of Betty Birdsall be made to the OSU Thrift Shop (providing scholarships), 144 N.W. Second St., Corvallis, OR 97330, or the Benton County Museum, 1101 Main St. Philomath, OR 97370.

Tributes

Betty Birdsall

July 17, 1926 - December 11, 2011