Betty "Elizabeth" June (Johnston) Jessen

Betty was born in Nampa, Idaho to Ed and Bernice (Caldwell) Johnston of Owyhee County. In 1943, the family left the Johnston Ranch and moved to Nampa when Betty was 6 years old. She grew up in the Nampa School District and participated in the Nampa city swim team.  Betty was a part of the Nampa high school class of 1955, where she met her husband, Kenny Jessen of nearly 69 years, they were married on July 21, 1954.  Kenny and Betty raised three children together: Valerie, Robyn, and Timothy.  All three kids graduated from Boise High School and were raised in South East Boise.  Betty was a big supporter of the Boise Braves. She watched two generations of kids go through as Braves and loved the Friday night sports.  You always knew where to find her; Sitting right behind the coach.  

Betty began her career in banking in 1963 as a bookkeeper with Idaho First Bank. She continued working for Idaho First Bank/WestOne/USBank for 34 Years and retired as their Operations Manager.  Betty loved working in banking and loved the time she spent at the Broadway branch where she got to work with athletes from Boise State University (BSU).  She helped them establish credit, taught them about checking and savings accounts and most importantly told them what they did wrong in the game last week.  She loved her BSU Broncos! 

Betty will forever be remembered as a faithful BSU Broncos fan. She was a season-ticket holder and a member of the Bronco Athletica Association (BAA) for decades. Betty never missed a game. She was very knowledgeable about the player statistics, and if there was one thing not do it was to call her on game day unless it was halftime.   

Betty enjoyed spending time with her family.  She always came to family events with more food than she was asked to bring. She was known for her deviled eggs and delicious desserts.  Betty loved an ice-cold Budweiser, playing card games, and socializing with her many friends. For the last several years, she and Kenny have spent Friday nights with friends at the Nampa Elks club.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents Ed & Berniece, her brothers Carrol and Jim, and her beloved daughter Valerie Ann Cobb (Jessen). She is survived by her husband Kenny, sister Gloria Stephens (Broomfield, CO), sons Tim (Michele) Jessen, Rob (Annette) Jessen, grandchildren Angela (Greg) Barnes, Christopher (Hannah) Aldape, Timothy (Pam) Jessen, Jennifer (Ryan) Bachmann, Brayden Jessen and Skylar Jessen. Along with 11 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Betty was laid to rest on June 8, 2023 at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens with a private family service. The family would like to invite friends and family to a celebration of life gathering on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 12:00pm, at the Elks Lodge in Nampa.  1116 1st Street, Nampa, ID. Arrangements under the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel where an online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Owyhee County Historical Society in loving memory of Betty Jessen.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty "Elizabeth" June (Johnston) Jessen, please visit our floral store.