Beatrix "Be" Averett

Beatrix "Be" Averett was born on a farm in Gem County, Idaho on June 27, 1916, after her mother finished milking the cow. She was the fourth of six siblings, attended a one-room school in Letha, Idaho, and graduated from Emmett, Idaho High School.

She married high school sweetheart, Jack Averett on Nov. 29, 1936. During WWII they lived in Port Orchard where Jack worked in the shipyards, they moved to Walla Walla and then to Grandview where Jack worked for Libby, McNeil and Libby. Be worked in payroll, the school cafeteria and as the Smith Elementary School secretary. In 1960, they moved to Warden to help establish Country Garden French Fry Plant. In 1961, they moved to Othello and opened up the Western Auto Store. They owned and operated the store for 15 years with their son-in-law Ivan Whitney.

Jack and Be loved to dance to the big band sounds at the Town and Country Dance Club and the Elks Club. She enjoyed traveling to far and near places with family and friends. Be was an avid gardener. She enjoyed working with her photo style diary, attending the Reichert Show House, her friendships made in the Red Hat Society and especially playing with her grand and great grandchildren.

Be fought bravely against the cancer that attacked her in 2005, until Sunday, Jan. 21, when she died at her home with her family by her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings and her husband. She is survived by; her daughter Arline and husband Ivan Whitney of Othello, her grandchildren, Renee and husband Tim Williams of West Seattle and Craig and wife MaryAnn Whitney of Liberty Lake; four great-grandchildren, Nathaniel, Naomi, Connor and Madison.

Memorial Services will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church in Othello on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 1 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Othello Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society. Cremation services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Chapel.