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Elberta Jane Wood was born November 25, 1935 in Martinez, California to Edith and Harold McGinnis. Betty lived most of her childhood years near Angwin and St Helena California. Her family later moved to Washington state and Betty attended Upper Columbia Academy High School in Spangle, WA graduating in 1954. She then attended Walla Walla College graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secretarial Science. In 1975 she earned a Master of Public Health degree from Loma Linda University.
While at WWC she met Robert Wood, an engineering major, and they were married on June 5, 1960 in College Place, Washington. Last year they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Together they raised four children. Betty’s professional life centered around office roles including work at the WWC Development Office and 18 years with the Veterans Administration hospital in Walla Walla. She retired in 2004.
She was a life-long artist, participating in many shows locally and regionally. “Creating has always been integral part of my being.” This was the opening line that defined the artist and was displayed at the shows where her art was featured. Betty was fearless in exploring new artistic mediums and her many talents included wood carving, watercolor painting, sewing garments and quilting. One of her favorites was growing gourds and using them as artistic material for sculpture. She also was an avid gardener, working outdoors with plants to make peaceful spaces and a beautiful environment for her home.
Betty died on May 6, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was a life-long member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and was looking forward to the Second Coming of Jesus.
Betty is survived by her husband Robert Wood, daughter Suze Wood, sons Brent Wood, David Wood and R. Scott Wood, grandchildren Lianna Wood, Colin Wood, Demetria Wood, Shea Wood and Avery Wood, great-grandson Aiden Ruggeri. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brother Larry McGinnis and sisters Verna McGinnis and Janice Golas.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, June 14, 2026 at Heubach Chapel, University Church 212 SW 4th St College Place, WA.
To plant trees in Betty’s memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
