Betty Elizabeth June Hammack was welcomed into heaven early Thursday morning, August 19, 2010, at Hospice House in Kennewick, WA.

The former Elizabeth June Carlson was born on June 22, 1926 in Ironwood, Michigan, the only child of Jennie and Elmer R. Carlson. Betty started her lifelong love of music as the daughter of the church organist. She played the piano and flute and sang in the choir at LL Wright High School where she graduated with the class of 1945. She followed her love of music to University of Minnesota in Duluth, where she graduated with a degree in Elementary Music education with an instrument major in Organ in 1949.

Betty ventured out to the Wild West government town of Richland, WA to teach Elementary school music at Lewis and Clark Elementary school. She lived in the dorms until meeting the love of her life, George Sandy Hammack, Jr. 1952. They were married in Ironwood, MI on July 18, 1952 and were married for 56 loving years.

Betty and Sandy returned to Richland, WA where their 3 sons and a daughter were born and raised. Betty returned to teaching in 1966 where she taught first at Jason Lee, lastly at Sacajawea, and most of the other Richland elementary schools in between. She tried to instill her love of music by finding contemporary music for the school children to sing and making home-made instruments for them to play. Betty continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, University of Washington and Central and Eastern Washington University.

Betty was a long time member of Southside United Protestant church. She served as Senior Choir Directory for 25 years and junior choir director for 10 year. She was the organist playing a beautiful pipe organ for 13 year. Betty was involved with the hand bell choir, Women's Missionary Fellowship and participated in numerous bible studies. Betty also taught Sunday school and Vacation bible school for a number of years.

In 1976 Betty and Sandy moved to Anchorage, Alaska and lived happily there for 9 years. While in Anchorage, Betty directed the choir and served as organist at the Baptist church. There she took up cross country skiing. She discovered camping and Betty and Sandy spent many happy days exploring the beauty of Alaska with family and friends in their cozy trailer.

Betty retired back to Richland, WA in 1985 where she continued her music ministry at Southside church.

Betty enjoyed being outdoors and working in her raspberry patch, picking, eating and making raspberry jam. Betty also loved reading and composing computer family newsletters. She appreciated visits from children and grandchildren. With camera in hand she enjoyed taking family photos and preparing family photo albums. Betty and Sandy continued their love of tailoring and explored Washington and Oregon with their favorite location being Jessie Honey man campground in Oregon. She loved anything to do with music whether it is opera on the radio or Community Concerts.

Betty was a member of American Guide of Organist, The Washington Retired Teachers Association and was an active Richland Library Volunteer.

Betty tried to use her musical talents to serve Christ Jesus and tried to play for the glory of God. Her special joy was sharing her love of music with any and everyone. Praise the name of the Lord.

Betty is survived by her three sons; Jeff Betty Ann of Pasco, Jennifer, Aaron, Sarah, and Erik; Sandy of Bremerton WA, Ashley and Brianne; Doug Anita of Maple Valley, WA and Benjamin; and her daughter Laurie Ken Dunkelberg of Seattle, WA, Joel, Ian, Toby and Zach; her loving niece Marsha Polk. She also has 4 great grandchildren; Hannah, Jaiden, Layla, and Aiden.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Sandy of 56 year, her parents, Jennie and Elber Carlson.

Memorial service will be at Southside United Protestant Church on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Southside Church in care of the music department or Hospice House Chaplaincy of Kennewick WA.