Betty Jean Dversdal

Betty Jean Dversdal passed away peacefully on January 21st, 2026 in Vancouver, Washington with her children Jeffrey & Jennifer Dversdal by her side. She is also survived by her beloved granddaughter Ava Jean Dversdal, and her daughter-in-law Renee Dversdal. Betty was born in Portland and attended Girls Polytechnic High School. She then earned a Bachelor's degree in Education at Oregon College of Education (now Western Oregon State) and later her Master's Degree in Special Education at Portland State University, while employed as a teacher for Portland Public Schools. She was an incredibly hard worker with additional time spent in real estate, merchandise vending at the Memorial Coliseum & Rose Garden, and whatever it took to help provide more for her family. She was married to Elwin Dversdal on December 29, 1967. Although they divorced in February of 1990, they remained friends after the obligatory disagreements over household objects like a colander & cutting board were settled. One of her dreams was to become a Mom, which she did in 1971 when they welcomed Jeffrey Brian, and again in 1972 when they welcomed Jennifer Jean. She was all about her kids, and always their biggest cheerleader. Becoming a Grandma to Ava in 2013 was perhaps her biggest joy, which is wonderful, as Jeff and Renee failed her in this department. Spending time with Ava while Jenny continued the family tradition of teaching was her favorite activity, in addition to eating homemade chicken & dumplings, cake, and most importantly fresh frosting or whipped cream. Betty loved her plants and gardening. A childhood friend of Jeff's remembers her talking encouragingly to her plants to help them grow. When he would tease her and say mean things to the plants, she would be sure to have a reassuring last word for said houseplants. She was also famous amongst family, friends and her kids' co-workers for her incredible Christmas cookie trays including candy cane cookies, nutmeg logs, sugar cookies with impeccable frosting and more. Her Siamese cat Baily who passed in 2009 was another pride & joy. She created photo calendars with Bailey in incredibly ornate scenes and costumes. This was before Artificial Intelligence...otherwise people would not have believed they were real! Betty was content at home with her cat and family; however, she did travel to Jamaica with Jenny to attend Jeff & Renee's wedding in 2013 and enjoyed family vacations including Hawaii and a Disney cruise to Alaska with Jenny & Ava. Betty was an incredibly kind, loving, giving soul, and will be dearly missed. A memorial service with subsequent light refreshments and celebration of life will be held Monday 2/16/2026 at 11am. Friends & family are welcome to join at Hillside Chapel, 1306 7th Steet, Oregon City, OR 97045.

Betty Jean Dversdal

March 16, 1945 - January 21, 2026