Step into the garden or over the threshold into Thad Mepham and Betsy Ray’s home in Beaumont-Wilshire and you’ll be transported into a whimsical space full of creativity and kindness. You’ll likely be greeted by the wagging tail of their energetic Australian Shepherd, Wesley, too! The couple has lived in their 1913 Craftsman on NE 42nd Avenue for 32 years. Betsy recalls “the house was a little rough” when they purchased it in 1993, but they got to work right away.
Thad is a woodworker, and his handiwork can be seen throughout their home, from the wrap-around porch to the custom kitchen (complete with vintage stove from Betsy’s childhood) and bespoke furniture pieces. Betsy spent 25 years creating glass etchings, and her studio and art remain in the cozy lower level.
Over the years, the couple has transformed their garden into a “showstopper,” according to neighbor, Patty Nelson. Betsy beams when she talks about their chemical-free garden that’s been featured in three local garden tours, most recently the 2024 BWNA Art & Garden Tour. Among the 24 trees they’ve planted is an Autumn Blaze Maple on the southeast edge of the property. They’ve aptly named the tree “Max” because it was the “maximum size tree we felt we could properly manage,” Betsy explained.
Amidst the flower beds, Thad and Betsy have found hidden miniature rubber duckies — more than 60 so far! “It started back in July or August,” Betsy said. Asked who might have left the ducks, she replied, “We call them the Mystery Ducker. I’m honestly flattered by it!”
Patty calls the couple “pillars of our community who help neighbors with whatever they need.” Thad built more than 14 custom kitchens within two blocks of their home and is the first call for household repairs nearby, while Betsy has tended a neighbor’s 100 rose bushes for 13 years.
“It’s the people that make this community special,” the couple agrees. “Our neighbors are our family, and we’d never want to be anywhere else.”
Jamie Gardner is a Portland native and Windermere agent putting her UO journalism degree to use here — finally! She’s lived in Beaumont-Wilshire since 2010 with her husband and two dogs. When she’s not with clients or touring homes, Jamie loves to travel, tackle house projects, and enjoy the local food scene.