Betty Jean Bratzler Edwards Chandler

passed away on Monday, December 3, 2007 at Harrison Hospital in Bremerton, Washington, surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born on September 17, 1924 to Edgar Jennings Bratzler and Ruth Isabelle Morris. Betty last made her home on Bainbridge Island, WA. In 1946, Betty was married to Charles Edwards Sr., a highly decorated WWII hero. In 1979 she married her beloved Edward Robert Chandler. Betty retired from the Seattle PI, having served in the capacity of handling the funeral desk for 15 years; working previously at the Paris Daily Beacon News in Paris, Illinois. Earlier, she worked as an assistant to the superintendent of schools of a newly formed school district in Illinois.She was very proud of her two sons, who volunteered and served in the Marine Corps and her two step-sons who also volunteered and served, one in the Air Force and one in the Navy. All four served during the Vietnam conflict. Betty served as Executive Secretary of the Tahoma National Cemetery Support Group, Secretary for the Washington State WWII Memorial Educational Foundation and on the board of directors of the Olympia Chapter of The Retired Officer's Association and Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Military Order of the Purple Heart #407, The VFW, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Gold Star Wives of Tacoma. WA and the Military Officers' Association of America Auxiliary. Betty also volunteered for ten years at the Lacy Fire District Three and on Bainbridge Island as a Senior Center receptionist and at the Children's Hospital Bargain Boutique. She is survived by her children; Charles Clemence (Clem) Edwards Jr., of Bainbridge Island, WA, Michael (Mike) Jennings Edwards of Springfield, Missouri and also her step-children Thomas Edward Chandler of Kent, WA, Charles Robert Chandler of Seattle, WA, Sharon Lynn Chandler of Federal Way, WA. There are three grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.She also leaves behind her loving dog Colee, her many friends, and siblings; Joan Bratzler Phillips of Bellevue, WA and Barbara Bratzler Cripe of Palmer, Alaska. She was preceded in death by her husbands Charles and Bob, and also by her brother Robert Lee Bratzler.Betty was a "classy" lady who loved to share laughter with loved ones and everyone she met along the way. Her self-written "bio" declared her sons as her greatest joys. A Memorial Service will be held in late July and announced on this website.Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.