BETTY LOUISE JONES

May 27, 1932 – January 27, 2023

Bakersfield – On May 27, 1932 Betty Louise Cavalla was born in Fresno, California. Part of her upbringing included spending many happy days at her grandmother's ranch which grew grapes, stone fruit, pomegranates, almonds, and walnuts. In her early teens Betty moved with her parents to San Luis Obispo where they owned and operated a restaurant. It was here where Delmar Jones noticed Betty and asked her for a date. After a short courtship, they were married in 1948. They settled in Fresno where their four kids were born and in 1969 relocated to Bakersfield.

She was a skilled seamstress, making clothes for the family and after taking courses at Bakersfield College, Betty discovered her hidden talents in an array of outlets. For decades she was a fixture at the Kern County Fair with various art and craft submissions, usually taking home a ribbon. Throughout her life she quilted, knitted, crocheted, painted, carved ostrich eggs, made wooden toys, carved figurines, made dolls, stuffed animals and dioramas. Her hand-painted birthday and Christmas cards were anticipated and appreciated by her family and friends.

Betty was a member of the Kern County Genealogy Society, volunteering in the genealogy section at the library and often worked tirelessly to help someone patch together their family history. She could also be considered an honorary member of the Bakersfield Clock Club and up until her passing still met with several members on a standing coffee date. She had several groups of friends she met with regularly, including those at the Rasmussen Senior Center. She treasured those friendships.

Betty was an independent, involved, and gifted individual. She stayed busy and always had a project going. Right up until her death she was planning home renovations. Despite difficulties with her hands and her mobility, she found a way to keep moving forward.

She was preceded in death by her parents Florence Harris and Pete Cavalla, husband Delmar Jones, and son-in-law William Smith. She is survived by daughter Florence “Bunny” Smith, son Roger (wife Margaret) Jones, daughter Terrie (husband Scott) Porter, and son Kent (wife Catherine) Jones. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Betty died peacefully at home.

A social gathering for friends and family will be held on Sunday, February 19, 11:30am at Hodel's Restaurant.