EGBERT, BETTY

Betty L. Egbert was born on August  27, 1953 in Moses Lake Washington to Billy and Frances Egbert. She attended school in the Tri-Cities and graduated from Kennewick High School in 1971. Betty enlisted in the Army in 1972. After fulfilling her obligation, Betty attended Columbia Basin College and received an AA Degree in 1979. 

 

MAJ Egbert joined the Army Reserves in 1983, where she later received her Nursing Degree from Clark College in 1989. In 1998 she received her Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude in Nursing from Grace land College. 

 

Betty learned to play the violin while she was in elementary school and became quite accomplished. Growing up, Betty also loved to play games. She was known for her honesty, a trait she carried throughout life. She would often tutor and help other students in school, but she would never allow anyone to copy her work. 

 

As a youth, Betty developed a love for animals that would last throughout her adult life. She was a member of 4-H and raised a black Angus calf that she called "Baby." Oftentimes you would find "Baby" grazing or laying under a tree in the yard while Betty was nearby reading a book. Betty was afraid of what might happen to "Baby" if he were to be sold at auction. She was able to find a private buyer that would treat "Baby" as a pet. 

 

From time-to-time, MAJ Egbert was called up to active duty by the Army. Her travels were extensive, and while she was stationed in Germany her mother, Francis, joined her. Together they traveled throughout Europe. She was stationed in Germany, Micronesia, Laos, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. Each time a conflict would open up, MAJ Egbert would volunteer to serve. Because she had no children of her own, she often referred to the young men and women soldiers as "Her Kids." 

 

In 1991, MAJ Egbert participated in Desert Shield / Desert Storm administering health care to Iraqi prisoners of war. In 2003, MAJ Egbert volunteered to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom where she spent 15 months as a Medical / Surgical (Trauma) Nurse. While she was there, she was tasked with setting up a field hospital to provide medical aid to personnel injured by a bombing of the UN Building in Bagdad. 

 

Betty worked at KGH and most recently Kadlec Hospital where she touched many lives. She will truly be missed and will be remembered for her smile that could light up a room. 

 

MAJ Egbert passed away on 18 April 2010 at her home in Richland Washington. She left behind her three cats, Angel, Bailey, and Taz. Betty was a kind person that loved her parents, friends and her Country. 

According to Shirley Schmunk, she was “a very important lady to a lot of us. It was such an honor to know someone who was so caring and kind for all our soldiers. She is greatly missed.” 

She is survived by her Aunt Carol Trueax and Uncle Curt Buster, her special friends Sandi Johnson and Pam & Romar Swarner, as well as all her friends from Operation Thank You, sisters and several cousins. Preceding her in death was her father, Billy Egbert, and her mother Francis Egbert. 

 

Memorials may be made in her name to the Benton-Franklin Humane Society, 8620 West Gage Blvd., Kennewick, WA 99336. 

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers MAJ Betty L. Egbert for her service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that her life continues to inspire all who learn her story.