Frances "Joan" Bethel

Frances “Joan” (Rieger) Bethel was born on December 28, 1932 in Salem, Oregon to Edwin Sr. and Mary (Lulay) Rieger. Growing up, Joan was raised in Stayton and Scio, Oregon. She graduated from Scio High School in 1951. She met the love of her life, Dwain Bethel at her junior prom in 1950. They would marry a year later July 28, 1951 at Immaculate Conception Church. Together, they would raise a beautiful family of 6 children. Joan loved being a mom and was the “rock” that held everyone together. They moved their family to Santa Cruz, CA in 1953 until 1975, eventually moving back to Turner. She would assist her husband Dwain in bookkeeping the family business, Bethel and Sons Excavating. Besides raising her family and helping Dwain with their business, Joan loved family get togethers. There was nothing better than getting all her family together so she could spend time with them. She also enjoyed gardening, walking and traveling. She and Dwain would also take trips to their home at the coast. Joan was a talented seamstress and would sew and embroider many pillowcases. Most of all, Joan loved when family got together, and she could spend time with her children and grandchildren. When she became a grandma, one of her biggest loves was rocking her grandbabies. Joan passed away on March 14, 2021 at age 88 surrounded by the care of her family over the last couple of weeks. She will be remembered for the deep love and care that she gave her family, and kindness that she bestowed to her friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwain; a grandson, Clark Bethel and siblings, Bob Rieger, Roberta Bennett and John Rieger. Joan is survived by her children Larry Bethel of Sunnyvale, CA., Russel Bethel of Hamilton, MT., David Bethel of Eagle, ID., Dennis Bethel of Turner, OR., Donald Bethel of Sacramento, CA., Vickie Walling of Bonanza, OR, in addition to 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild and two siblings, Edwin Rieger, Jr. and Joyce Finegan. A private family service was held at Weddle Funeral Service with burial at Cloverdale Cemetery.