Oct. 14, 1915 — April 10, 2008

Elizabeth “Betty” Lienkaemper died peacefully at her adult foster home in Philomath. Betty was born to John and Katherine Ottman Carlisle in Nanty-Glo, Pa. She grew up in Nanty-Glo and graduated from high school there in 1933. She attended both Bloomsburg and Indiana State Teachers Colleges before returning to Nanty-Glo, where she learned bookkeeping in the Hiseley Coal company store.

She married Sam Laporte in 1941, and after Sam’s death, she moved to Los Angeles in 1944. During a return trip to Los Angeles after visiting her brother Jim, who was training in Redmond, she met George Lienkaemper. They were married in 1945.

As her husband’s career as a school administrator progressed, Betty moved from Riddle to Maupin. In 1947, her only child, George, was born. In 1952, the family moved to Bandon and in 1953 Betty returned to college at Oregon College of Education in Monmouth to earn her bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate. During a career of more than 20 years, she taught elementary school students in Coquille, Wilkes, Welches and Estacada. She was known as a strict disciplinarian and her students learned to read.

In 1957, the family moved to the Mount Hood area, living in the towns of Brightwood, Rhododendron and Welches during the next 17 years. Betty loved living in the mountains and during summer breaks from teaching at Welches and Estacada, she kept books and managed the front desk at Bowman’s Mt. Hood Golf Club.

After retirement, she and her husband, George, lived in Portland for four years before moving to Woodburn Senior Estates in 1978. She enjoyed playing bridge and square dancing, and learned word processing on a personal computer. Betty was a skilled practitioner of the fabric arts. She was a hand weaver, she crocheted, she braided wool rugs, and she sewed cathedral window coverlets and necktie vests. Betty loved to travel and she and her husband made trips to Australia, Hong Kong, the former USSR, and several visits to Europe.

In 1995, Betty moved to Corvallis to live with her son and daughter-in-law. As her care needs increased, she moved to Quail Run Assisted Living and then to His House Adult Foster Care.

Betty was a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a lifetime member of Order of the Eastern Star.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her bothers, J. Milton Carlisle, Luther Carlisle, Charles (Piney) Carlisle, and Jim Carlisle; and her sister Catherine Cogan.

She is survived by her sister Nancy Polski of Albuquerque, N.M.; son and daughter-in-law George and Cynthia Lienkaemper of Corvallis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are by Cornwell Colonial Chapel in Woodburn. At Betty’s request, there will be no service. Memorial contributions in Betty’s name can be made to His House Adult Foster Care c/o Cornwell Colonial Chapel.