Jennie Elizabeth Sweet

Jennie Elizabeth Sweet, “Bette” passed away Saturday, August 17th, 2019 at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia surrounded by her family after complications of dementia.

Born October 17th, 1930 in Brown County, Kansas, to Jesse and Helen Minnick, this redheaded farm girl relocated at age 5 to Longview where she attended elementary through high school. At age 16 while walking home, she accepted a ride offered by a handsome sailor who turned out to be the love of her life, Paul Sweet. Paul and Bette were married in January 1948. After Paul graduated WSU, his job moved them around Oregon and Washington, with their 3 children, Linda, Nancy, and Scott, then permanently settling at their lifelong home in Chehalis. Bette worked as a grocery checker until retirement where she enjoyed gardening, grandkids, yearly travel to Paul’s Navy reunions, genealogy, and traveling across the U.S. in their motorhome visiting family, friends, and seeing the countryside. She was always happy to share stories about her Dad’s Aerocar accomplishment.

Bette was preceded in death by her husband Paul in 2012, son-in-law Darrell Backinger, and grandson Jesse Backinger.

She is survived by her 3 children, Linda Sams of Chehalis, Nancy Backinger of Michigan, and Scott Sweet also of Chehalis. Brother Eldon Minnick of Longview. Nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces + nephews and cousins.

Celebration of life is planned Saturday, September 7th, 1:00 @ the Historic Train Depot multipurpose room in Centralia. The Celebration is potluck, and anyone wishing to bring a dish is appreciated, but not required.

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