Bette Jane Rusu, 101

Bette Jane Rusu passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025. She was born on January 30, 1924 in Tacoma, Washington to Louis and Gladys Rossi and lived to celebrate her 101st birthday.

Bette grew up in the Gig Harbor area and graduated from Gig Harbor Union High School in 1942. After graduation, she worked at the Naval Supply Center in Bremerton, including the years during World War II, until the mid-1950’s. She later returned to work at the Supply Center in the 1970’s until her retirement on January 2, 1987, completing 25 years of service and receiving the Meritorious Civilian Award.

She met Jack Rusu and they were married at the original St. Nicholas Catholic Church on June 25, 1949. Bette and Jack lived in the Gig Harbor area their entire married lives and had one daughter, Jayne. After Jack’s unexpected passing in 1994, Bette increased her volunteer work with the Catholic Women’s Club and a Catholic Guild. Along with her friends Pat Jerkovich and Pat Bujacich, they also volunteered for 20 years serving meals through Catholic Community Services of Western Washington’s “Hospitality Kitchen” in Tacoma. They were known as “the Ladies” and were honored at a ceremony commemorating their service in 2015. Bette also volunteered at the St. Anthony’s Hospital gift shop well into her 90’s.

At her 100th birthday celebration in 2024, Bette received an award from the City of Gig Harbor for her many years of volunteer work, which was presented to her by the former mayor of Gig Harbor and her friend Jake Bujacich.

During Bette’s long life, she had a chance to spend time not only with many friends but also with her family. She had fun regularly babysitting her granddaughter Jackie and got to attend her graduation from college in 2011, Physical Therapy school in 2014 and her wedding to Tyler Sakaluk in 2018. Bette also got the chance to get to know her great grandchildren Luke and Lily.

Bette is survived by her daughter Jayne (Gene) Michaelson, granddaughter Jackie (Tyler) Sakaluk and great grandchildren Luke and Lily Sakaluk.

A Catholic memorial service will be held for Bette at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Gig Harbor on April 11, 2025 at 11:00 am, followed by a celebration of her life at Canterwood Golf and Country Club in Gig Harbor beginning at 12:30pm.

In lieu of sending flowers, you are invited to donate to St. Nicholas Catholic Church.