Betty Lou Norwood Hughes died Monday, December 1, 2003 in Lakewood, Washington. She was born November 8, 1923 in Mohrland, Utah to Inez Guymon and Francis Raymond Norwood. In 1941 she graduated from Boise High School in Idaho. Betty worked as a waitress at Murray's Drive-In Restaurant which was the "hang out" for the young people in the Boise area. There she met a young soldier, Bert H. Hughes, who was stationed at nearby Gowen Field. He was smitten by her luscious auburn hair. They were married in Boise on June 12, 1942. Together they raised three daughters while traveling the world following Bert's career in the Air Force. In 1961 she began her 30 year career with the U.S. Civil Service. She started on the bottom rung and worked her way to the top of the ladder as secretary to the Wing Commander at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, Washington. When she retired she was presented with a commendation for superior service. They called her "The Little General Maker," because most of the commanders she served earned their stars with her highly efficient assistance. Betty was indefatigable and enjoyed her retirement years. She spent countless hours tending the garden she loved. She worked as a docent at the Museum at McChord AFB and volunteered as a secretary for the Clover Park School District. If you knew Betty, you had to admire her spunk, her drive and her infectious sense of joy for life. Her compassion for and generosity toward others are legendary. She was the strong shoulder upon which countless souls leaned. Her home was a warm gathering place where there was always room for one more at the table. Every kid in the neighborhood knew they could collect a cookie, a hug and words of encouragement by simply knocking upon her door. She never asked for a single thing in return. And when it was time to leave this life, Betty tied up all the loose ends, baked her last three pies and marched forward to meet the challenges of a new adventure with her typical strength, courage and dignity. She is survived by her husband, Bert H. Hughes; daughters, Lucy Anne Miller and husband Don, Patricia Rose Hughes and life partner Trish McKernan and Gloria Jean Simmons and husband Richard; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Wendell Norwood of Seattle and Earl Norwood of Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister. Betty's family wishes to thank the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital Cancer Ward, the Group Health Home Health and Hospice Teams and all of the countless friends and family members who supported her through her courageous battle against leukemia. At her request, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity. If you wish to remember Betty, reach out and give a helping hand to another person. We will always miss her, but the inspiration she instilled in our hearts is eternal.