Elizabeth Detorres Viray

Elizabeth “Betty/GBetty” DeTorres Viray entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 24, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous journey through illness.

Betty was born on December 20, 1946, in Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines, to Silver Cantong DeTorres and Natividad Sanchez DeTorres. She spent the first years of her childhood in the Philippines until 1953, when her family immigrated to the United States, beginning a new chapter of life filled with opportunity, perseverance, and hope.

She was blessed with two beautiful daughters – Rosalie “ROSIE” Viray, was born in California and Victoria “Vicky” Smith, was born in Heidelberg, Germany. Betty later found the love of her life in Bill Pound. Together they shared nearly 35 wonderful years, building a life filled with laughter, unwavering devotion, and treasured memories. Their love was evident to everyone who knew them, and Bill faithfully remained by her side through every season of life.

Betty is survived by her devoted partner, Bill Pound; her daughter, Vicky Smith and husband Bill “PB” Smith; her stepdaughter Jeanne Sarkela and husband John Sarkela; her stepdaughter Cindy Shepperd and husband Scott Shepperd; her stepson Jon Pound; her adopted son and nephew, Tony Oberio; her siblings, Silver Jr. DeTorres and wife Jackie, and Annie DeTorres Nieto and husband Michael; along with a large and loving family of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Rosalie DeTorres Viray; her parents, Silver Cantong DeTorres and Natividad Sanchez DeTorres; and her sister, Carmen DeTorres Dupes.

Betty leaves behind a beautiful legacy through her grandchildren: Brittney Martinez and husband Manny (Jayden); Marissa Simpson and husband Jake (Hailey and Audrey); Luke Smith and wife Sara (Jaxson, Jaycee, Jerzey, and Jonas); Jason Howell and wife Liz; Lauren Howell and fiancé Elijah; Tyler Smith; Carly Wilde and husband Zachary; Justin Miller; Jessica Hallstrom; Sara Lloyd; Haylee Shepperd; Alex Shepperd; Roxanne Slusher; Jeannie Hamel; Erin Mackey; Layne Tevlin; Ryan, Russell, Riley, and many more beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren whose lives she cherished deeply.

Betty worked for the telephone company for many years, where her remarkable intelligence and incredible memory became well known. Family affectionately described her as a “walking Rolodex.” She could remember names, phone numbers, birthdays, and countless details with astonishing accuracy. She was fluent in English, Tagalog, and German, and her love of learning and connecting with others was evident throughout her life.

Outside of work, Betty enjoyed bowling, sewing, and watching television and movies, especially with her grandchildren. Some of her greatest joys came from simply spending time with family, sharing conversations, laughing together, and creating memories that will now be treasured forever.

In December 2023, Betty suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that left her completely dependent on others for her care. Although the stroke changed many things, it never changed who she was at heart. Even during the final two and a half years of her life, she continued to recognize those she loved, laugh at her Bill’s famous “Dad jokes,” and brighten the room with her big beautiful smile. She faced every challenge with remarkable grace and patience, never once complaining despite the immense difficulties she endured.

Those who knew Betty will remember her loving and compassionate heart, her quick wit, her honesty that never sugar-coated the truth, and her unwavering devotion to her family. More than anything else, Betty loved Jesus and loved her family. Her faith carried her through every season of life, and today her family finds peace in the assurance that she is completely healed and joyfully reunited with her daughter Rosie, her parents, her sister Carmen, and so many loved ones who have gone before her into the presence of the Lord.

While our hearts ache deeply in her absence, we rejoice knowing that this goodbye is only temporary. Because of her faith in Jesus Christ, we hold tightly to the promise that one day we will be together again.

Until that glorious reunion, GBetty, thank you for your love, your strength, your laughter, your wisdom, and the countless memories you gave each of us. You will forever be loved, forever be missed, and forever remain in our hearts.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

— Matthew 25:23