Elizabeth (Betty) Lamb Boyd

Betty was born March 16, 1924, in Bordeaux, France, where her father worked for the YMCA. She died in Gig Harbor April 20, 2024.

Her school years were spent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she graduated high school and went on to attend Macalester College in St. Paul. Her studies were interrupted by the call to serve in World War II. Betty was proud to enlist as a WAC (Women’s Army Corps). While stationed at Schick General Hospital in Clinton, Iowa, she met Milton S. Boyd, who was recovering from wounds he sustained overseas as a soldier. Both received bachelor’s degrees from Macalester after they were married.

They raised their six children in Rock Island, Illinois, and Gig Harbor, Washington. Betty was extremely well-read and could hold her own in debates and discussions on many subjects. At 100 years old, she was still reciting poetry and Shakespeare. She worked for the Peninsula School District and the Purdy Correctional Center for Women. She had a deep interest in politics and education. She loved her family, her church and traveling.

While two-up on their Honda Goldwing, Betty and Milt saw all the contiguous states, plus Alaska. They also traveled to many countries of the world.

Betty volunteered for food banks, church and the theater. She helped design and build sets, sewed hundreds of costumes, and was a dress and prop mistress extraordinaire.

Preceded in death by her husband Milton, Betty leaves behind six children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren, and many great and great-great-grandchildren.

A truly remarkable woman.

A memorial service for Betty Boyd, with a reception to follow, will be held Sunday, June 9 at 3 p.m. at the Gig Harbor Methodist Church, 7400 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor.