Betty Leontine Bickley

Betty passed away on October 1, 2024 as a result of a fall the previous week.  She was born in Pocatello, Idaho, July 12, 1938.  On the following day she was adopted by Earl and Lois Cory of Blackfoot, Idaho.  She was raised in Blackfoot graduating from the Blackfoot High School in 1956.  Both parents and an older brother, Wally,

pre-deceased her.

Betty married Wayne Bickley of Idaho Falls, Idaho, on May 25, 1956.  They were married for 68 years and had two children, Joe of Helper, Utah, and Cory O’Reilly of Sandy, Utah.

Joe and his wife Kim have two children, Jake of New Orleans, LA and Courtney of Fruita, CO.  Courtney married David Martinez and they have two boys, Reed and Logan.

Cory married Brian O’Reilly and they have a daughter, Elizabeth (Libby) who married Vladimir Vasilijevic.  They have a daughter, Emma, and live in Taylorsville, UT.

Betty’s first job out of high school was as a stenographer for Argonne National Laboratory at the Atomic Energy Commission site in the desert of Eastern Idaho while Wayne was serving his country in Korea.  Upon his return they settled in Salt Lake City where she worked as a legal secretary. She did the same in three other cities as they pursued opportunities in other states.

Betty’s final position was eight years as administrative assistant to the chairman of an investment firm in Omaha, NE, after which she retired in 1988.  She and Wayne moved back to the West and have lived in the Salt Lake valley for the past 35 years.

Betty had a particular talent for cooking and also loved reading. She was an accomplished pianist. Having been raised next door to the Fort Hall Indian Reservation, she had a like and appreciation for Indian art. She and Wayne traveled extensively during their long retirement.

Betty’s love of family has most recently concentrated on her 17 month old great-granddaughter, Emma, with visits and videos.

Saying she will be missed seems too trite to reflect our feelings on her passing.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.