Bette Ann Eggert Swietzer, 92, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother died peacefully at her Anacortes home on June 28, 2021.
Bette was born April 9, 1929 in Flaxton, North Dakota to Rudolf A. and Helen Kettel Eggert. Her family left North Dakota when she was young as jobs were scarce because of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. They moved to Washington and eventually settled in Port Townsend where she graduated from high school. Soon after, she married Myron (Mike) Swietzer, her high school sweetheart and partner for 49 years. Together they raised two children, Linda and Michael.
Bette’s family and friends were important to her, and she shared her time and many talents generously. Bette clerked at George Gunn’s downtown grocery store, one day a week, for many years. She supported her children and their friends in school activities at home and out-of-town activities as a chaperone. Her fond memories were camping at their cabin in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains with a group of local friends named the “Vegabonds.” A robust call of “Wagons ho!” began each trip in their travel trailers across the United States. She enjoyed boating and camping on local beaches during summer weekends and singing with the Vegabonds around campfires. She and Mike were also active with the Elks in Port Townsend. In later years, spending time with grandchildren brought her joy.
Bette’s Lutheran faith was important to her throughout her life. In Port Townsend, where her parents were founding members of Grace Lutheran Church, she was an organist and sang in the choir. In Tacoma, Sumner, Anacortes and Port Townsend, she took an active part in Bible study, Ladies Aid, Altar Guild, and wherever she could help and as long as she was able.
Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, a brother, Wilfred Eggert, and son-in-law Robert Bounds. She is survived by her son Michael and his wife Penny Perka; her daughter, Linda Bounds, all of Anacortes; sister LaVonne Johnson of Issaquah; grandchildren Jesse Bounds, Blakely and Millicent Swietzer; great-grandchild Caden Bounds; and nephews, Randy and Charles Eggert, Rik and Eric Johnson, and John and James Calkins.
To share memories of Bette, please sign the online guestbook at www.evanschapel.com/obituary/bette-swietzer.
A private memorial service in Port Townsend at Grace Lutheran Church will be held at a later date. Her internment will be at Grace Lutheran Columbarium.
