Kathryn Bettger Webb

Kathryn Lee Bettger Webb passed away into the eternal arms of Jesus on Thursday, June 23, at St. Luke’s Hospital, surrounded by her family. Her death resulted from complications following surgery. Kathy was known for her hospitality, generosity, and unwavering support for the many friends, students, and family who intersected her life.

Kathy was born on September 16, 1945, in Walla Walla, WA to Harlon and Lois Nelson. After WWII, the family returned to Boise where Kathy attended Whitney Elementary, South Junior High and Borah High School. Following her graduation in 1963, she studied French at Wheaton College in Chicago, IL. Graduate studies in French Literature took her to the Sorbonne in Paris, France. She returned to teach French at Arizona State University while earning her second master’s degree, then transitioned to teaching at Seattle Pacific University.

In 1972 she married Tom Bettger. Tom worked for the Morrison Knudsen company, which soon took them to Langdon, North Dakota and then to Zaire, Africa. Tom and Kathy extended their stay to volunteer with Mission Aviation Fellowship and American Baptist Missions at the Kimpese Station. After a few stops (Africa, Europe, Asia) along the way, Tom and Kathy returned to Boise and had two children, Molly and Andrew. She was a present mom, and cared well for their friends. She was a famously loving wife, aunt, grandmother, mother, and sister.

Kathy’s relationship with Jesus was visible to all who knew her, and it influenced the ways in which she loved and connected personally with many people across the world. In the early 2000s, Kathy taught French to hundreds of students at Bishop Kelly High School. Together, she and Tom were deeply involved in the First Baptist Church (now True Hope Church) of Boise for decades. Kathy was a prolific gardener, accomplished pianist, avid quilter and famous cook and party host.

Tom was killed in a cycling accident in May of 2009, and in 2012, Kathy married her high school sweetheart, Clint Webb. Clint and Kathy spent 10 wonderful years traveling the world (Spain, Portugal, Israel, Mexico, France). Together they served in an interim pastoral role at New Community Church in Union, WA, helped plant Dry Creek Community Church, and guided the Encore ministry at True Hope Church.

Kathy is survived by her second husband, Clinton Ellis Webb; her children, Molly (Patrick) Rank and Andrew (Lauren) Bettger (five grandchildren); and two step-children, Jessica Lynn (Mark) Billings and Kenneth Eric Webb (four step-grandchildren); her brother Ric (Jeri Lu) Nelson and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Tom, and her parents, Harlon and Lois.

Services will be held on July 14 at 11 am at True Hope Church - Downtown (607 N. 13th St.) in Boise. The family will host a visitation at the Alden Waggoner Funeral Chapel on July 13 from 5-7 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Kathy’s honor to True Hope Church - Downtown.