Betty Lou Bruner

Betty Lou Bruner, 89 from Ontario, Oregon went to be with her Lord on Friday, December 14th, 2018, while surrounded by her family.

Betty Lou was born in Ontario, Oregon on March 24th, 1929.  She was the daughter of George and Vida Maddux.  Betty Lou grew up and attended school in Ontario and completed her education by graduating from Ontario High School. She married the love of her life, Everett Charles Bruner on August 17, 1951 in the First Baptist Church in Ontario, Oregon. Everett preceded Betty Lou in death and passed on in January 1963.  Betty Lou was the Mother of two children, daughter, Reba Lee Bruner-Croft and son, George Everett Charles Bruner.

Betty Lou began her career with Pay Less Drug in Ontario and worked there many years until the store later closed.  She then continued her career in retail at the Norris Variety Store, The Ontario Merc, and later The Emporium.  Betty Lou stayed with the Emporium for over 15 years, and retired in 1999.  During her life she became a pillar of the community and was a friend to many. She was known by many people in the Ontario and surrounding area where she was lovingly called Grandma Betty, Grandma Bun, Aunty Betty, GG and Betty Lou.

Betty Lou attended church and Bible Study almost every Sunday, at the First Baptist Church in Ontario, Oregon.  When the Church closed, Betty Lou began to host Bible Study in her home, and continued hosting Bible Study until her passing.  Betty Lou and her church family continued to worship under the spiritual guidance of Pastor Scott Lundy. She continued to attend worship and was an active participant in church activities until she passed.  Betty Lou was a faithful Christian and was devoted to her church community.   

Betty Lou was an active and devoted member of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary in Ontario for many years.  Over the years she held various offices within the VFW and was Chaplin for over 20 years.

Betty Lou was a lifelong member of Eastern Star, Royal Neighbors of America and Malheur County Historical Society; she also performed her civic duty by volunteering her time to local blood drives as well as being a blood donor herself.  Betty Lou also volunteered her time during local elections and assisted voters at polling places.  

Betty Lou’s pride and joy was her family.  Nothing made her happier than spending time with them.  She hosted for many years and then faithfully attended family gatherings and could always be heard passing on family stories to her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even a great, great grandchild.   

Betty Lou is survived by her Daughter, Reba & (Mike) Croft, Son, Charles & (Cheryl) Bruner, Grandchildren Patrick & (Makiko) Croft, Brendan Croft, Kimberly & (Mark) Makenzie, Jason Coy & (Tara) Bruner, Melissa & (Todd) Stocker, Jocelyne  Bruner, Great Grandchildren, Azura Croft, Tel & (Lacey) Abbe, Tanner & (Mick) Corless, Hagen Wallace, Alexia Bruner, Michael Bruner, Makenna Renteria, Robert Renteria and Great Great Grandchild William Corless.  

Additional surviving relatives are Niece, Linda & (David) Scott, Great Nephews Win, Chuck & Cam Scott, Nephew Raymond Mendive and Great Nephew Terrell Mendive, their wives and families along with Vikki Davidson (Tony) who was the mother of her grandchildren and the daughter of her heart as well as many other friends and family members.

Betty Lou’s family has elected to have a celebration of life ceremony in the spring.  Notice will be posted in the local newspaper for her many, many friends and family.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate with the family.

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