She was born August 21, 1927 in McMechan, WV, the daughter of the late Gordia M. Wilson and Ross Wilson. She is formerly of Moundsville, WV, Milton-Freewater, Oregon, and Ridgefield, Washington.

Betty graduated cum laude at West Liberty University and received her master's degree from WVU. She began her teaching career at John Marshall High School and retired from the Oregon Public School System after teaching science/biology at Umapine High School, where she was also vice principal. In her retirement she was a master gardener whose Washington State home was featured in the local newspaper.

She was an active member of the AW Chapter Portland, Oregon, of the international PEO. She served as president from 1990-1992. Established in 1869, the PEO supports educational opportunities for women. The Continuing Education Project awards scholarships to women who interrupted their education and now find it necessary to return to school to support themselves and/or their families.

She was an excellent cook who loved to bake, especially the traditional Christmas cinnamon rolls anticipated and enjoyed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William Harstad of Milton-Freewater, Oregon; her brother, Carl Wilson; her sisters Lucille Sills, Geraldine Scott and Avenel Bero; and her granddaughter, Holly Steger-Archer.

Surviving are her husband, Donald Whyte of Warwood; her daughters, Pamela Allen and her husband Peter of Arlington, VA, Barbara Steger and her husband Joe of Wheeling, WV, and Patricia Hutton of Mill Creek, Washington; her sister, Wilma Artimez of Moundsville, WV; her grandchildren Tim Steger and his wife Leslie of Gahanna, OH and Katie Schwab of Avon Lake, OH; her great-grandchildren, Calvin and Carter Schwab and Addison and Caroline Steger.

Memorial contributions can be made to the PEO Foundation, Continuing Education Project, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50312-2899

A memorial service will be held Friday June 15, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Kepner Funeral Home, 900 National Rd at Bethany Pike, Wheeling, WV (304-232-2732). Reverend Mark Seitz officiating. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family.