Betty Marjorie Spiegelberg Nyman

September 12, 1928 - September 29, 2013

Betty Marjorie Spiegelberg Nyman Obituary Betty Nyman died on September 29, 2013. She was born Betty Marjorie Spiegelberg in Seattle, Washington September 12, 1928, the third child of Katherine Wagner and Alfred Spiegelberg. Her early years were spent in Omak, Washington where her family operated the Cherokee Dairy. She attended school there and was involved with various school activities. She was a member of Rainbow Girls, was a high school cheerleader and was an outstanding student. Betty matriculated at Washington State University where she became a member of Delta Gamma Sorority, was elected to Mortar Board and to the Student Board of Control. In 1950, she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sociology and received teachers? credentials. Shortly after graduation, Betty married Carl J. ?Jack? Nyman, a member of the WSU Chemistry Department faculty. She had three children, Gail Katherine, John Victor and Nancy Kraft, all of whom survive her. She is also survived by daughter-in-law Mary Freese Nyman, son-in-law David York, grandchildren Linsdey Nyman, Stephanie Baker, Rusanne Modeland, Trisha Stone and Mackenzie Wheeler and by grandsons-in-law Shane Baker, Jason Modeland and Brayden Stone. Family life was a very important focus of Betty?s own life. She was devoted to her children and husband, provided a wonderful home for them and loved them deeply. She was particularly devoted to the concept of ?family? and endeavored successfully to keep children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews together. She was never too busy to listen to their needs and desires or to help them in any way that she could. She was a strong, committed, creative, loyal and loving person. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Betty described her career was that of mother and ?professional? volunteer. Being a Campfire Leader for her daughters, a Cub den mother for her son and his friends, Parent-Teacher?s Association Committee chairman and family chauffeur occupied the early years of her married life. She then did volunteer work for adult civic organizations and was active with the WSU Women?s Club, Friends of the WSU Museum of Art, Book Clubs, and School Planning Committees and was a founding member of the Pullman League of Women Voters. She served as President or Chair of each of these groups at various stages. On occasion, she also worked in various part-time positions on the University campus. Betty regarded these activities as challenging, stimulating and rewarding experiences. Travel was one of Betty?s great interests. She recalled fondly the interesting and fascinating years she spent with her husband and family in London England, Zurich Switzerland, Cornell University and Tulane University. There were also extensive travels both in the U.S. and Europe where she played the role of ?Tour Guide?. She took these opportunities seriously and thoroughly enjoyed them. At her request, no traditional services will be conducted. The family will honor her privately at a later date. The family thanks the staff members of Rockwood at Hawthorne and of the Hospice of Spokane for their loving care. Memorials or Remembrances may be sent to the WSU Museum of Art, to the Rockwood at Hawthorne Employee Assistance Fund or the Hospice of Spokane.