Betty J, Schlaht, 85, longtime resident of Aberdeen, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. Betty was born in Larimore, North Dakota, June 25, 1935, the daughter of Edwin and Lillian (Braaten) Warne. While living in Larimore, Betty met Selmer T. Schlaht. They were married in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, on May 25, 1952. They operated a dairy farm in Larimore from 1954 to 1956. In 1956, they came to Grays Harbor where Selmer formed Schlaht Construction, building several homes that he and Betty both designed. In 1977, Selmer and Betty established Selmer’s Furniture in downtown Aberdeen. They operated the business along with their children until 2000, when they retired, passing it along to their children to continue operations.

Betty was a longtime member of Amazing Grace Church in Aberdeen and the Montesano Moose. Betty was a loving mother and loved spending time playing cards with family and friends. Family was everything to her. She was also an avid player of pinochle and played regularly at Aberdeen Senior Center. She also played in several pinochle tournaments around Grays Harbor. She also played guitar, sang and was part of a band with her siblings many years ago.

Betty is survived by two sons: Gene of Everett and Tim of Aberdeen: three daughters: Sherry Erickson, Montesano; Vicki Trader, Aberdeen and Cindy Schlaht, McCleary; a brother: Ronald “Bud” Warne Sr., Montesano; a sister Penny Rae Johnson, Elma: nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Selmer T. Schlaht, who passed away on Feb. 21, 2005, at the age of 71: a brother, Eugene Warne; and sisters, Charlotte Walberg, Marlene Willig and Maxine Cogburn.

A private memorial service is planned for Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. at Amazing Grace Church in Aberdeen. Please join the family in live stream via Facebook at Amazing Grace Aberdeen.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Amazing Grace Church, 111 E. 4th st., Aberdeen, WA 98520. Donations will be used to help fund the church’s community work and programs.

A condolence with a memory or message may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.