Obituary of Elizabeth Cornelia Watkinds
Elizabeth (Betty) Cornelia Koopmans Watkinds Trappe, 95 passed peacefully in her apartment at Cherrywood Village in Portland, OR. on December 5th 2021. Betty was born October 20, 1926 in Tigard, OR to parents Menno and Cornelia (Willie) Koopmans. Betty graduated in 1944 from Tigard High School and attended Lewis and Clark College and graduated in 1948 with her bachelor’s degree in general studies. She later attended Portland State University and earned her master’s degree in education in 1972.
After college Betty worked for Young Life in Portland where she spent many years helping adolescents and teens strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ. Betty was a devout Christian and loved and lived her faith with grace and generosity. Later, Betty taught school at Centennial High School where she was the Physical Education teacher and tennis coach for 25-years until her retirement in 1984. During that time, she met her husband William (Bill) Ernest Watkinds, also a teacher and coach. They were married on December 21st, 1974 and enjoyed 28 wonderful years of marriage. During their life together they enjoyed living between their home in Portland and their beach home in Rockaway Beach; their dream home, that they built before their retirement in 1982.
Betty and Bill also enjoyed traveling and did so extensively, visiting many different states and countries. They especially loved spending time with their children and grandchildren, as well as Betty’s sisters and brother and their many nieces and nephews.
Bill passed in December 15th 2002, and at the age of 78, Betty found love for a second time with Robert (Bob) Trappe, a school years friend and fellow church member. They were married on March 29th, 2004. Betty and Bob also loved to travel and spend time with their children and many nieces and nephews. They enjoyed 17 lovely years together until Bob passed just a month before Betty.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents Menno and Cornelia, her beloved husband Bill Watkinds; her sister Helen Koopmans; her sister Hinka Schaefer; her brother Sigbrand Koopmans; her sister Benita Koopmans and her beloved husband Robert Trappe.
Betty is survived by her children: Steven (Tamie) Watkinds; Sharon (Bob) Johnson; Roger Watkinds; three grandchildren: Stephanie (Jake) Patterson; Gabriel Watkinds; Shae Watkinds and two great grandchildren; Parker Patterson and Jaxson Patterson; her nieces: Susan Allen and Jan Bump and many additional nieces and nephews and Bob’s children: Linda Trappe and Scott Trappe and his extended family.
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