Marty Coyle Betsch

Margaret Kindt Coyle Betsch Marty • Mom • Grandma • Sister • Trauma Mama • World-Famous Nurse Marty • Code Queen Margaret “Marty” Kindt Coyle Betsch, age 78, passed away on November 15, 2025, at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon, following a series of strokes. She was born on March 8, 1947, to Robert and Ruth Coyle in Berkeley, California. Marty was raised in Ephrata and Moses Lake, Washington, where her adventurous and confident spirit quickly emerged. She graduated from Moses Lake High School in 1965 and earned the title of American Archer at Camp Zanika, where she was given the rare honor of shooting a flaming arrow into Lake Wenatchee. She was an accomplished pianist at a young age, playing duets with her father, and at just 16 years old, she recorded her own four-song album in Seattle—an early sign of the boldness and creativity that defined her life. In 1968, Marty met the love of her life, Michael Betsch, in Seattle’s University District. She graduated from the University of Washington School of Nursing in 1969 and soon after joined the Army Nurse Corps. She was stationed at Fort Sam Houston and at Letterman Hospital at the Presidio in San Francisco, where she cared for soldiers who were burn victims of the Vietnam War. She retired as a First Lieutenant in 1971 from Fort Lewis, Washington. Marty married her handsome husband, Michael Betsch of Great Falls, Montana, in 1970 in Moses Lake, Washington. She continued her nursing career at the VA and at the Walla Walla Penitentiary, where she was deeply respected and protected by the inmates she cared for. In 1975, Marty was hired at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon, then located on Hospital Hill in downtown Bend. That same year, she helped move every patient to the newly opened hospital on Neff Road. In 1985, she became one of the first Airlife nurses. Over the course of nearly four decades, Marty served in many roles at St. Charles, including ER and ICU nurse, House Supervisor, and Emergency Department Manager for nearly 30 years. It was during her time in the Emergency Department that she earned the nickname “Trauma Mama.” Marty also served as a Hurricane Katrina Disaster Team Camp Commander with the Red Cross and later worked in the Disaster Training Department at St. Charles. She helped organize a free medical outreach program called Project Connect and often said one of her greatest joys was “raising up” young paramedics, nurses, and doctors. She retired in 2014 after 39 years of extraordinary service to St. Charles Medical Center. Outside of work, Marty lived life with joy, curiosity, and style. She had a fun purple hat room filled with hats for every occasion—tea party anyone? She loved traveling with her family to National Parks, Disney World, Hawaii, Mexico, and more. In retirement, she and Michael traveled the world together, visiting Peru, Machu Picchu, the Galápagos Islands, Alaska, the Panama Canal, Budapest, the Netherlands, and many other destinations. Marty especially cherished time with her grandson, Paxton, delighting in watching him grow, play sports, play piano, and enthusiastically discuss all things medical. She loved family time at the lakes, kayaking, snowshoeing, and singing around the piano. Rock-hounding with Michael was a favorite hobby, and she treasured time with friends through her rock-hounding club, girls’ nights, and poker group. Marty gave generously to organizations including Shepherd’s House Ministries, Central Oregon Veterans Outreach (COVO), Bethlehem Inn Homeless Shelter, and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Her final act of service was the donation of her corneas through the Lions Vision Gift program—still helping others even after death. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Michael Betsch; daughters Brenda (Luke) and Brandy (Scott); grandson Paxton; sisters Bobbi and Becky; and their families, along with countless friends, colleagues, and those whose lives she touched. Donations in Marty’s memory may be made to the St. Charles Foundation in support of the Emergency Department expansion—her lifelong passion. A permanent memorial in her name is being planned. https://give.stcharlesfoundation.org/campaign/750755/donate A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Westside Church on Shevlin Park Road in Bend, Oregon. A reception will follow. The service will be livestreamed at: https://evt.live/marty-betsch-celebration-of-life Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home of Bend, OR, was honored to serve the family

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Marty Coyle Betsch

March 8, 1947 - November 15, 2025