Bethany Grace Uriah Austin (Kheel Geis') is Takdeintaan and child of Was'eeneidi. She was born on November 16, 1990, in Sitka, Alaska, to Diana Renee Williams and Gary Wayne Austin Sr.
Bethany spent the first two years of her life surrounded by family in Kake, Alaska, before moving to Sitka where she spent the remainder of her childhood and school years, making lifelong friendships she cherished as family.
From an early age Bethany approached life with fearless determination and an independent spirit. Always accident prone, when the family called the emergency room the nurses would jokingly ask, "What did she do now, Diana?" Nicknamed "Lil Altoid" by her mom because she was "curiously strong", Bethany met every challenge head-on. Her can-do attitude carried her through life and fueled her love of hula dancing, wrestling and even flying as part of the cheerleading team.
In 2011, Bethany welcomed the greatest joy of her life: her daughter, Soleigah Smith, her beloved "mini-me." Bethany loved Soly more than life itself. Together they created countless treasured memories-spending hours listening to music, paddleboarding, rollerskating, and exchanging sweatshirts. Their bond was one of deep love, friendship and unwavering devotion.
Bethany's zest for life led her on many adventures and to many places. In 2016 she graduated from Job Corps in Nampa, Idaho, and later settled in Moses Lake, Washington, where she found her calling helping others navigate the path to recovery. She poured her heart into supporting people as they worked to rebuild their lives and reconnect with the people they loved.
In 2023, Bethany moved to Spokane, Washington, with her fiance', Derek Foreman, where she continued the work she was so passionate about. Helping others was never simply a job to Bethany – it was her purpose. Sadly, her time with us was far too short, Bethany passed away June 5, 2026, having left this world better than she found it.
Her remarkable gift for bringing people together, whether among lifelong friends from her hometown or within the recovery community she cherished in Moses Lake, she built connections that endured. To know Bethany was to love her. Her laughter was unforgettable, her determination undeniable and her compassion boundless. The impact of her life will continue to be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow " was her special signature hula dance that she passed on to her daughter and is a fitting song of remembrance of her.
Bethany was preceded in death by her grandparents: Walter Williams Jr. and Harriet Williams and Louis and Irene Austin, all of Kake; brother Nathan Williams of Sitka; Aunt Tamara Williams of Ketchikan; Uncle Richard V. Austin of Alaska; and fiancé Derek Foreman of Othello, Oregon.
She is survived by her mother, Diana Williams of Sitka; father and stepmother Gary W. and Sarah Austin, Sr. of Kake; and her cherished daughter, Soleigah Smith of Libby, Montana.
Also surviving are aunts Destina Williams of Ketchikan, and Lourene "Chiggy" Austin Sheilds, of Ketchikan; uncles Garrett Williams of Kake, Appaloosa (Roy) Sundarakumar of India; and Anthony Gastelum of Kake; and siblings Tommy Austin II of Eugene, Washington; Gary Austin Jr. of Washington; Janet Austin of Oregon; and Robert Martin of Metlakatla; her eternal sister, Cristel Silva of Moses Lake; and the many friends, colleagues and loved ones who mourn her passing and will carry her memory forward.
A celebration of Bethany's life will be held on June 26, 2026, at Grace Harvest Church, 313 Fig Street, Moses Lake, WA. All are welcome to attend.
