June 12, 1926 — March 29, 2008

Bettie M. Freiday, 81, died Saturday, March 29, at Sandra Lynn Care Home in Corvallis.

Bettie was born June 12, 1926, in Richmond, Va. She attended college in Chicago and worked at various publishers including Popular Mechanics. She later married Jack Freiday, and they had three daughters together. In 1970, Bettie and her daughters returned to Virginia, where Bettie resumed her passion for journalism and worked at the local newspaper. In 1979, Bettie moved to Searcy, Ark., and became a research librarian for the White County Public Library. At the age of 63, she earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science through Harding University. Bettie retired from the library in 1994, but always volunteered or worked part time in a library until recently. She particularly enjoyed working with students and liked helping the educational process. She lived in Corvallis for the last few years.

Bettie is survived by her three daughters, Jacqueline Finch, Beth Freiday and Shirley Irwin; son-in-laws, Gary Irwin and Paul Finch; sister-in-law, Patricia; brother-in-law, Mac Lehman; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Forrest Glen Morgan.

Private services will be held. Inurnment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Roanoke, Va. The family requests memorial donations in Bettie’s name be directed to Benton County Hospice in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 N.W. Fifth St., Corvallis, OR 97330. Online condolences may be sent via www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.