PRIMETIME of your life FREE | VOLUME 5 • ISSUE NO. 3 | MARCH 2016 Interesting features for our 50+ audience
Betty Marie Baker On her own: the next great adventure By Lucinda Sue Crosby For PrimeTime of Your Life
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etty Marie Baker’s history reads like the quintessential tale of small town gal-madegood … except that she doesn’t seem small town in matters of style, attitude, sense of humor or character. Her gracious smile pumps warmth into her lovely blue eyes and her generous and helpful nature is obvious the moment you meet her.
EASTER TIDBITS PAGE 6
Betty Marie was born and raised in Tigard, Oregon. Currently the state’s 12th largest city, this picturesque spot was little more than a village when Betty was a girl. “There were only 18 students in my eighth grade class,” Betty said, “although when I finished high school, we were all the way up to 100 graduating seniors.” For most of her childhood and all her adult life, Betty’s BFF and partner-in-everything was her husband, Dick. They met when they were both seven years old and were together as friends, sweethearts and husband-and-wife for many decades until his death in 2009. As you might imagine, this sad but significant event has had a profound effect. “When you lose someone you’ve spent years and years with, it feels a little like you have lost a part of yourself. Still, it’s also a chance to grow and experience new things.”
Early on, they settled down in Tigard and started a family but Dick was always looking for another hill to climb, literally. When they relocated to Parrot Mountain, Oregon, their large home commanded 19 acres with picture windows framing a view that crossed two states, sweeping from Portland to Mount Hood. “It was incredible!” Betty said. “Amazing!” They invested in a garbage business, built up their clientele, sold their share with a nice profit and then bought a real spread in Antelope, Oregon, a hunting haven Dick had adored for years. Qui-
et and peaceful, the Baker Ranch consisted of 2100 acres of prime grazing where they ran 200 cows, four bulls and six horses. Both Betty and Dick also worked regular jobs off site and often had to wake up at 3 am to make sure all the ranch chores got done. Annual branding, which usually took place around Easter and lasted two full days, included the help of their children and grandchildren and huge meals at the end of a tough day. “It was a rugged life but I loved it,” Betty said. “We made a great team.” Continued on page 11
ALLERGY RELIEF WITH SPRING CLEANING – PAGE 8
ROASTED GARLIC TURKEY BURGER RECIPE – PAGE 14