Betty M. Donaldson

In Loving Memory of Betty Marie Donaldson September 13, 1932 – June 19, 2025

Betty Marie Donaldson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of Christ, passed away peacefully in her home on June 19, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born on September 13, 1932, Betty was the 3rd of three daughters born to John William and Hazel L. Lewis. Betty spent most of her youth in the Cincinnati, Ohio area. Following high school Betty met the love of her life, Marvin L. Donaldson, and they were married on September 1, 1951, beginning a lifelong journey of love, ministry, and service.

Together, Betty and Marvin lived in Bourbonnais, IL; Nashville, TN; and Panama, and then pastored churches in Michigan, Wisconsin, and British Columbia before settling in Seattle, Washington in 1963. After raising her boys she went to work at the Experimental Education Unit (EEU) at the University of Washington. She enjoyed decorating the EEU for major holidays, bringing warmth and celebration to the children and staff. For 43 years Betty and Marvin attended the Aurora Church of the Nazarene where they served in many different roles and positions and made many lifelong friends.

In 2008, Betty and Marvin moved to Meridian, Idaho, where she continued to bless others with her creativity and compassion. She made baby quilts and receiving blankets that were sent overseas and donated to local agencies, crafted handmade cards, and found joy in cooking and entertaining.

Betty was deeply involved in women’s ministries and choir at Aurora Church of the Nazarene in Seattle and Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Meridian. Most recently, she was a devoted member of College Church of the Nazarene in Nampa, Idaho.

She is survived by her sons, Timothy P. Donaldson of San Diego, CA, and Robert K. Donaldson (Cathy) of Meridian, ID; her grandchildren, John P. Donaldson (Katie) of Ojai, CA, Rae M. Donaldson of Meridian, ID, and Casse Aper (Jonathan) of Meridian, ID; and her great-grandchildren, Sam and Shea Donaldson of Ojai, CA. She is also survived by her dear friend and niece, Nina Daniel, of Columbus IN. and numerous nieces and nephews in Indiana and Ohio.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, John Willie Lewis and Hazel Laverna Lewis; her beloved husband, Marvin L. Donaldson; and her sisters, Norma G. Redding and Nellie L. Baughman.

A memorial service to celebrate Betty’s life will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM at College Church of the Nazarene – Franklin Hall, Nampa, Idaho. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend and honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made toTrinity Pines Camp and Conference Center, Cascade ID. at tpines.org/memorials.html or to Olivet Nazarene University,Bourbonnais, IL. Ministerial Fund at Olivet.edu/donate, in Betty’s memory.

Betty will be remembered for her unwavering faith and her servant's heart. Her legacy of faithfulness, love and service will live on in the lives she touched.