Betty Diane Van Riper

Betty Van Riper, 66, of Kelso passed away Nov. 3, 2021, at home.

She was born Sept. 3, 1955 in Centralia, Wash., to Mearle and Clara Richter. She attended Mark Morris High School and married William Powers Jr. They had two children and later divorced. On April 10, 1994, she married Darrell “Bud” Van Riper.

Betty worked in the shipping department of Boise Cascade Paper in St. Helens for 15 years and was an ombudsman for local nursing homes. She was an active member of Calvary Community Church, serving as deaconess and a member of the church’s quilting group Dorcas. Betty was also a member of the Rocking Threads, Ladies of the Lake, and Ladies of the Cloth quilting groups.

She and Bud enjoyed playing bingo at the Longview Eagles, and trips to Europe to visit the numerous foreign exchange students they hosted over the years. Betty also traveled to Thailand and Africa for missionary trips. She was caring, out-going, and full of life and laughter.

Betty is survived by her husband, Bud at home; her children, Tina Powers of Kelso and Matt Powers of Castle Rock; three stepchildren, Diane Speed, Janell Kallio and Richard Van Riper, all of Kalama; four siblings, Cheryl Richardson of Bonney Lake, Wash., Janet Hansel and Robert Richter, both of Fernley, Nev., and Linda Killebrew of Cathlamet; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved dogs, Hank, Stanley and Toby.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Dan Richter and Rick Williams.

A service is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 at Calvary Community Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Calvary Community Church, 2655 38th Ave., Longview, WA 98632.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to Steele Chapel at Longview Memorial Park & Crematory.