She was a shining light to all that knew and loved her….

She is now shining from above to light the way for all of us down here.

Bettie Mae (Praus) Marcum-Albright peacefully passed away on July 6, 2023, at the age of 91, with her family by her side.

Born on June 20, 1932, in Dickinson, North Dakota to Agnes and Clemens Praus, Bettie was the middle sibling to two brothers, Robert and Raymond - both of whom she loved dearly. Her early years took her from North Dakota to Montana, eventually landing in Springfield, Oregon for high school. Upon graduating, she met the love of her life, Richard Lee Marcum (our father), and they made their home in Eugene, Oregon.

Bettie held a special place in her heart for her younger brother’s wife Glenda, who was like a sister to her for life.

Bettie and “Dick” (Richard) journeyed through several homes over the years and during that time, they welcomed two children into the world, a son, Douglas, and a daughter, Susan. By 1962, they finally set down roots in Eureka (Humboldt County), where they lived out their lives.

Full of life, love, and laughter, our mother Bettie made our childhood fun and exciting. When we were young, she took up a job at Humboldt State College (yes, it was just a college then) working in the bookstore. We often remember her coming home from work excited with a new story to tell us. She created many friendships there that she cherished throughout her life.

Mom left Humboldt State University (it had become a university by then) around 1972, moving on to work at the College of the Redwoods’ bookstore. Her friend circle widened at CR. A few years later, she returned to HSU and began working in procurement, where (guess what?) she made even more new and cherished friends!

Sadly, during this time, our father Dick fell ill with cancer. After a brave two-year battle, he passed away in 1984. They were married for 32 memorable years. His passing greatly affected Mom. Knowing Mom was not one to be alone, he had assured her before passing that he would “find someone” for her.

A few months after Dad’s passing, Mom met Don Albright through some mutual friends. They hit it off and shared a blissful marriage of 23 years, until Don’s passing. Their time together was filled with adventures—trips, annual escapades to Palm Springs, cruises, dances—and of course, they cherished the friends they made along the way. It truly was a “match made in heaven.”

Don was the grandfather that Bettie’s granddaughters grew up with. Don had 3 children, and our families quickly blended, enjoying several years of fun and friendship. Don’s grandson Jason, his wife Jackie, and their three wonderful boys were always close to Mom and our family. Don was a wonderful man and very loved by us all.

Mom started facing health issues as she aged, leading to her decision to move to Timber Ridge in McKinleyville in October of 2022.

With her health declining, she moved to Renaissance, at Timber Ridge, where she spent her final months. And guess what? She made many more friends who cared about her as much as she cared about them.

Mom touched so many lives that it would fill an entire book to list everyone that was special to her. Please rest assured that she loved each of you and that you have a special place in her heart.

Bettie was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, both husbands, and several friends and relatives. She is survived by her children (Doug and Sue), and their spouses, her grandchildren (Vanessa and Amber) and their spouses, her three great-grandchildren, her “sister” Glenda Praus, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends, all of whom she loved fiercely. Father Thomas Diaz was another special person in her life who she regarded as a second son.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the team at Timber Ridge, Renaissance, and Hospice for their care and support. We truly don’t know what we would have done without you – we know that Mom loved you all.

A celebration of life will be held in September at the Eureka Elks Lodge. It’s challenging to reach everyone she touched, so please email sueringwald@yahoo.com for more information.