Betty M. (Swanson) Hosterman

Betty Marie Hosterman Swanson was born May 25, 1939, in Coburn, PA to Randall D. Hosterman and Mary E. (Brungart) Hosterman. Betty grew up in Millheim, PA, the youngest of five children and sister to brothers Clyde, Richard, Ardell and Rollin. Betty graduated in 1957 from Penns Valley Area High School, PA. Shortly after graduation she moved to Seattle where she began working in the insurance industry.

It was in Seattle, where her co-worker, Mary, set Betty up on a blind date with Mary's brother, Richard. As Betty successfully grew in her profession, she was offered several professional advancement opportunities to work in different insurance offices around the country. She moved to New York City and California. However, Betty was drawn back to Seattle, by a special young man. Betty followed her heart, returned to Seattle to reconnect with Richard. Shortly thereafter, Richard proposed to her up on Mt. Rainier. They were married in Seattle on February 8, 1969.

In 1979, Betty and Richard moved to Kelso, WA and Betty began working for the Cowlitz PUD as a billing clerk and accountant. Betty retired from the PUD in 2002. Though Betty and Richard never had children of their own, during retirement Betty reached out to her friend and former colleague, Sheila Burgin and offered to help with her newborn triplets. Betty and Richard quickly became honorary grandparents to Ethan, Ellie, and Max Burgin and became a bonus mom to Sheila. Many holidays and vacations were spent together, having great adventures, and creating wonderful memories.

Betty's hobbies included gardening, genealogy, reading, sewing, shopping, and playing Po-Ke-No during the holidays and had a variety of interests learning about new things. Betty belonged to the Kelso Garden Club. She enjoyed visits from family and friends, especially the PUD ladies' lunches.

Betty died at the age of 83 at her home in Kelso, on May 7, 2023, at 4:00 AM. Richard was by her side as she drew her last breath, knowing that their love lasted her lifetime. Betty was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brothers. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard, daughter, Sheila Burgin, grandchildren Ethan Burgin (Ally), Max Burgin and Ellie Burgin; nephew Steven Hosterman (Barbara), niece Leilani Ruth (Hosterman) Vaughn (Bob), grandnephew Patrick Hosterman (Liz), and, grandnephew Gene Hosterman, grandniece Deana Hosterman, grandniece Stephanie Hosterman, grandnephew Sean Hosterman along with numerous nieces and nephews.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty M. (Swanson) Hosterman, please visit our floral store.