Elizabeth 'Betty' Hagman, 97

Elizabeth Alice (Betty to all who knew her) Boughter Hagman, passed away peacefully Jan. 11, 2024, after spending almost 98 years on Earth.

Betty leaves behind her sons, Gary (Anne) and Ken (Allison); granddaughter Gabby; grandsons Brian, Jeff, James, Will and Jack; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in passing by her husband, James; daughter Arley Sue Hagman; her parents, Edward and Jessie Boughter; and her siblings, Gene, Grace and Emma.

Betty was born in Aberdeen, Wash., on June 24, 1926, and grew up living in many small rural communities throughout eastern Washington and North Idaho. After graduating high school, Betty earned her degree as a nurse from Sacred Heart Nursing School.

She worked for a few years nursing in Seattle and Spokane, where she met the love of her life, James (Jim) Hagman. They married in Spokane shortly after Jim returned home from the European theater of WWII, and lived several years in Spokane, where their three children were born. They moved their young family to Priest Lake permanently in 1957 to develop a dream of owning a small fishing resort, named Hagman’s Resort. 

Betty lived at Priest Lake for almost 70 years. She and Jim began wintering in Yuma, Ariz., as Jim’s health failed, and she dedicated many years toward personally caring for him at home. She spent the last eight years of her life at River Mountain Care in Newport, Wash. 

But for Betty, Priest Lake was forever her home. Betty was truly one of Priest Lake’s mid-century pioneers. Along with being a full-time mom and resort owner, she was known all around for her first aid services. Nurse Betty was probably Priest Lake’s very first first responder. She always kept her first aid kit ready in her trusty station wagon and was quick to respond to the scene of many an accident or tragedy at the lake in those days before there were trained EMTs.

Betty was an accomplished deer hunter, wild mushroom picker and berry forager and loved to fish for kokanee and bull trout. She had a passion for painting natural scenes using her watercolor paints and always had time to visit or help her neighbors and friends. She was a very engaging lady, and few that met her remained strangers. 

One of her greatest joys in her later years at the lake was volunteering as a Priest Lake Lion. She found great joy and fun working with the Lions on their many community endeavors. Her late-life travels around the U.S. with friends were also something she dearly enjoyed.

Betty really loved kids and always made time to nurture her children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews, along with any friends who tagged along. There was always a story, cooking class, sewing project or fun chat with tasty treats waiting at her house.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of accepting everyone with open arms, caring and giving without question and making so very many people feel welcome at the lake. Her faith in the Lord truly guided her everyday walk through life. Rest in peace.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring at the Sherman-Campbell Funeral Home in Newport, which is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are welcome to visit shermancampbell.com.