Betty Lou Henderson

February 14, 1932 - May 5, 2024

Obituary

Betty Lou Henderson (Née Cottrell) passed away on May 5, 2024, at the age of 92 in Bainbridge Island, Washington. She was born on February 14, 1932, in Dime Box, Texas. Betty was a dedicated and generous woman, known for her hardworking nature and unwavering faith. She lived in Texas until the age of 82, when she moved to Bainbridge Island to be closer to her daughter.

Betty was a devout Christian who found strength in her faith. She was a loving mother to Lara Dennis and Sam Cottrell, a caring sister to Ray Cottrell, and a beloved grandmother and great-grandmother. Betty is survived by her daughter, Lara Dennis; son, Sam Cottrell; brother, Ray Cottrell; grandsons: Montgomery Jones, Dustin Cottrell, and Connor Cottrell; great-granddaughter, Harley Cottrell; nephews: Rusty Draper, Joel Gilley, and Lloyd Gilley; and nieces: Deb Chachere, Sharla Costelow, Judy Jones, Judi Gilbert, Billie Duran, Sallie Erwin, Alana Cottrell, and Suzanne Gilley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Henderson; sisters: Lela Chachere, Bonnie Gilley, Ruth Knutson, Ruby Jackson, and Mildred Cottrell; father, Juel Cottrell; and mother, Nellie Cottrell. Betty valued education and attended business school.

In her free time Betty loved music, and her passion for it brought joy to those around her. Before she moved to Bainbridge Island, Betty lived in Tyler, Texas, where she loved shopping, particularly at the Nearly New Shop with Deb Chachere. After moving to the Northwest, she enjoyed going on grand adventures with her daughter, Lara and grandson, Montgomery. She was comforted later in life by many calls from her son Sam, Sharla, Deb, Judy, Sallie and Joel. She also had a special place in her heart for the Seattle Seahawks.

Betty Lou Henderson will be deeply missed by her family and friends. May she rest in peace.

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Deb Chachere
Deb Chachere
4 months ago

My mighty Aunt Betty! I will always miss you, and will always remember the many years and many wonderful and hilarious times we had together. You gave me so much, but more than anything, you always taught me to never lose hope … never give up, and you lived that out to the end.
Born on Valentine’s Day and left us on Cinco de Mayo … and we’ll always celebrate those days remembering you!

Lara, Sam, Montgomery … my heart is with you as you grieve the loss of your mom and grandmother. She loved each of you so very much!

Suzanne Gilley
Suzanne Gilley
4 months ago

Love you forever Aunt Betty. And no one will be able to get a word in edge wise with the Cottrell girls gabbing away !

Joel
Joel
4 months ago

Joel Gilley

Joel
Joel
4 months ago

Love you Aunt Betty, I will never forget the nanny conversations we had when I came back to Tyler for a visit. Standing in the lobby listening to you tell stories of the Cottrell clan growing up while covering every other subject from politics to current events. There is no telling the hours of productive work that I cost you but if you cared I could never tell. I will cherish those late night conversations forever.