Betty Joan (Down) King

Betty Joan King passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, March 7th, 2026 at her home in the Eatonia Oasis Living Residence, 20 years after the passing of her beloved husband Gene.

With love and gratitude, Betty will be remembered by her family: Mitch (Becky) of Deep River Ontario; Richard (Lisa) of Eatonia Saskatchewan; Jeff (Michelle) of Steinbach Manitoba; and Lara (Joe) Fodor of Lacombe Alberta. Deeply saddened are her grandchildren: Alexandra (Ethan) and Matthew; Erika (Lucas), Garrett (Cole), and Tessa; Bennett, and Louden; and Danielle (Joel), Elizabeth, Heather (Justin), and Camryn (Brad); as well as her 5 great-grandchildren: Amelia, and Charlotte (Erika); Benjamin, and Jackson (Danielle); and Jessie Joan (Heather). Mom will live on in the hearts and lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Betty is also survived by her sister Kathleen Appleton, brother and sister-in-law Glen and Sharon Down, sister-in-law Jean King, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished lifelong friends. Betty is predeceased by her parents Jim and Edith Down, sister and brother-in-law Isabel and Norman Berntson, brother and sister-in-law Jim and Betty Down, brother-in-law Jack Appleton, nieces Corinne Appleton, and Mary Jaycox, mother-in-law Evelyn King (Boomer), sister and brother-in law Mary and Don McTaggart, and brother-in-law Clem King.

Betty Joan, as she was affectionately known within her family, was born on October 5th, 1937, in her Granny Herbert’s house near Tisdale, Saskatchewan. Raised on a farm on the outskirts of Tisdale, Betty was the second youngest of five children, where love and deep family bonds were at the center of daily life - a foundation that nurtured her lifelong appreciation for both her close and extended family. Some of her happiest memories were of family gatherings where music, singing, and laughter filled their home. Throughout her life, Betty maintained connections with her siblings and generations of extended family, treasuring the times they spent traveling together.

After earning her Teacher’s Certificate in 1958 at the University of Saskatchewan, Betty moved to Eatonia to begin her teaching career. Within the first year, Betty met and fell in love with Gene King, a farmer whose family had deep ties to the area. Betty and Gene were married on July 16, 1960, and shared a lifelong love and dedication to one another. They melded their careers of farming and teaching, and together they raised their four children. Betty cherished being a mother, and her unwavering love, compassion, and support was a constant presence in her children's lives. The happiest moments were the busy days raising a family, working, chasing their children’s sports and activities, as well as time spent with family and friends. Betty’s creative nature was expressed through playing music, singing, quilting, gardening, and cooking. She was especially fond of live theatre and concerts, and treasured the memories created during summer camping trips and travelling.

At Eaton School, Betty began her career teaching Home Economics and she would go on to teach every grade level. Pursuing her own learning while working full time, Betty enrolled in Education classes and proudly convocated with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1981. She also became Vice-Principal for a number of years and ended her remarkable 36 year teaching career as Principal of Eaton School. Betty played an important role at Eaton and within the Kindersley School Division. Guided by integrity, honesty, and empathy, Betty inspired others through her work as a teacher, and these qualities also truly spoke to who she was as a person. She was a quiet, positive influence on both the students she taught and the colleagues she worked with. Betty treasured her connections with former students and was grateful to hear how she touched their lives. In 2022, she graciously accepted the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in recognition of her valuable contributions to Education in Saskatchewan. 

In her retirement years, Betty found her greatest joy in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her face beamed with pride as she connected with the younger generations - listening intently, sharing cherished stories, playing cards, and finding meaningful ways to be present in their lives. She embraced this season of life by focusing her attention on activities that were meaningful and deeply fulfilling. Volunteering within the community was very important to Betty. She was actively involved and contributed her time to the Eatonia Oasis Living Board, the Eatonia Heritage Board, and the United Church Choir.

Betty spent the final five years of her life at Eatonia Oasis Living. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness they showed her throughout those years.

A memorial service will be held at the Eatonia United Church on May 2nd, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A time of fellowship will follow at the Eatonia Community Hall. Betty will be interred at the Eatonia & District Cemetery.

Donations may be made in Betty's memory to:

Eatonia Oasis Living, Box 217, Eatonia SK, S0L 0Y0

and/or The Alzheimer Society Saskatchewan.

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