Betty Ray (Caldwell) Hood

Betty Ray (Caldwell) Hood, age 70, of Porterville, CA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, January 5, 2018, as a resident of the Porterville Convalescent Center. Betty was born on February 13, 1947, to the late Mannie “Ray” Caldwell and Betty Lou (Brown) Caldwell, in North Little Rock, AR. She graduated from Porterville Union High School with the class of 1965. In high school, Betty was known to her friends as ”Bubbles”. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and on September 11, 1968, she married Gary Gordon Hood in the L.D.S. Los Angeles Temple, in Los Angeles, CA, and after 49 years of marriage, Gary survives her. In the early years of her marriage she worked as an apartment manager, a telephone operator for the Porterville Answering Service, and she drove school bus for special needs children. Betty had a special love for children which led to her owning a daycare for almost 40 years. Many parents entrusted Betty with the care of their children while they worked. Some of those children brought their children to her in later years. She was referred to as “Nana Betty” or “Betty Mom” by many of those she tended to. Betty was creative and enjoyed making and teaching craft classes. She had a great love of holidays especially Halloween and Christmas. At Halloween, you needed to be prepared for a decoration to jump out at you while giving you quite the scare when you entered her home. During Christmas time, you would find Betty baking and organizing ornament exchanges with luncheons and get togethers with her lady friends. This group of ladies celebrated all their birthdays by going to dinner and sometimes a movie or a trip to the beach. Betty was a loving and sensitive human being with many wonderful friends. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly, always supporting their extracurricular activities including sports, band, cheerleading, dance, and many others. She loved animals, especially her dog stormy, and she enjoyed riding in the car, simply looking around at the scenery. Betty loved to sing along as she listened to music and she enjoyed collecting Betty Boop, Maxine, and Elvis memorabilia. Her family loves her so much, they miss her dearly while looking forward to the day they are all reunited. In addition to her husband, Betty is survived by 2 sons; Jason R. (Jennifer) Hood, Trevor S. Hood; 1 daughter; Amanda N. (Tim) Avila; 10 grandchildren; Tabatha B. (Brandon) Gregg, Cole E. (Charidy) Hood, Noah W. Hood, Bella D. Hood, Hunter C. Avila, Taven C. Avila, Kambrea T. Avila, Tyler B. Hood, Seth R. Hood, (Cassie Gardner, mother of Tyler and Seth) Beau G. Hood, (Christina Pena-cobb, mother of Beau) and 1 great-grandchild, Jaden A. Gregg. Betty is also survived by 3 sisters; Jacquelin (Dennis) Niehus of Lemoore, CA; Joyce A. (Michael) Johnson of Orem, UT; Debra L. (Charles) d’argy of Brookville, PA; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her parents, Betty is preceded in death by her son, Gary “Brett” Hood. Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, from 9am – 10:45am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1164 N Newcomb St., Porterville CA, 93257. A funeral service will immediately follow the viewing, beginning at 11:00am, and officiated by Bishop Theb Manivanh. Interment will take place at the Hillcrest Memorial Park following the church service. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Myers Funeral Services and Crematory, 248 N. E St., Porterville, CA, 93257. Online condolences and other information may be found at www.myersfuneral.com