BETTY M. VAN NORMAN
March 1925 – April 2015
Betty Van Norman was born to Clarence and Lily Van Norman in a house on the ranch still owned by the family in Oakdale CA.  Betty graduated from both Oakdale Elementary and High Schools.   Coming from a musical family, Betty had a happy childhood singing songs and playing on the family ranch. Betty delighted in earning a penny for each worm she would pick off the tomato plants. Throughout her life she continued to sing the childhood songs that meant so much to her.
After high school Betty received her Associate of Arts Degree from Modesto Junior College and then went on to San Francisco State where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation.  Betty worked for different recreation departments after graduating and eventually became a teacher for Modesto Junior College, teaching Lapidary Classes for 33 years.  Betty was a farmer and an avid rock hound who traveled extensively, creating lots of amazing adventures.  She shared her love of nature and rocks with nieces, nephews and friends, giving them adventures also!
Betty is survived by partner Esther (Rocky) Nelson; sister Bertha Tedsen and numerous nieces and nephews.  Betty is preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Lily; brothers Clarence R. Van Norman and Hiram O. Van Norman.   In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Betty’s memory can be given to the Mother Lode Mineral Society Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1263 Modesto, CA 95353.  A Celebration of Life is pending.  Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader.
April 15, 2015