Betty Lou Pinza

Betty Lou Brooks Pinza, 82, passed away on Monday, November 12, 2012 at Providence St. Mary Medical Center. A resident of the Washington Odd Fellows Home, 534 Boyer, for the past 8 years, Betty was born and lived her entire life in Walla Walla. She was born on October 19, 1930 to Dollie (Goss) Brooks and David Brooks. When she was still an infant her parents divorced. Her mother married Orin "Ernie" Needham while she was still very young. She was Dollie and Ernie's only child.

Betty attended Washington, Prospect Point and Walla Walla High Schools.

In May 1947, she married Andrew "Andy" Pinza. They had three children, Jack, Kathy and Larry. They divorced in 1964.

She worked in Walla Walla throughout her life beginning at an early age. Her first job was with Walla Walla Steam Laundry. She worked at Walla Walla Cannery, Southgate Fleenors meat department, and as bookkeeper for Dairygold Dairy, William's Lumber and Zaring Insurance. She retired from McDonald Zaring Insurance Agency as a claims representative in 1992.

Betty was an accomplished bowler winning the City Tournament twice. While her children were young, she coached children in the Bantam and Junior bowling leagues at Pioneer Bowl. She was secretary for the Women's Walla Walla Valley Bowling Association. Betty also loved golf and golfed for many years. She served on the board of the Veteran's Memorial Golf Course in the 1980's.

At different times in her life she had belonged to St Francis Altar Society, Catholic Daughters and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aries #26 Auxiliary and Drill Team.

Survivors include her three children Kathleen Murr (husband Bruce), Jack Pinza (wife Connie) and Lawrence Pinza (fiancé Tammy Parker) all of Walla Walla; 8 grandchildren Lisa Piper and Suzie Buell of Spokane, Rebecca Clark and Vicki Guthrie of Port Angeles, WA, Lorrayne Hansen of Pullman, WA, and Clyde Edward Murr, Christopher Pinza, and Andrea Dressler all of Walla Walla and 13 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Also surviving her are two half-sisters. Vi Valdovinos of Grants Pass, OR and Jane Fowler of Sequim, WA and a half-brother, Dick Hastings of Mount Vernon, WA. She was preceded in death by her parents Orin and Dollie Needham and many aunts and uncles.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Sunday, November 18, 2012 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM and after the Rosary at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm Sunday, November 18, 2012 at Herring Funeral Home with Sister Helen Mason officiating. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Monday, November 19, 2012 at 10:00 Am with Father Tim Hays as celebrant. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Aid Center through the Herring Funeral Home.