CLEARLAKE, Calif. – In loving memory of Betty Jo Gard.

She passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2014.

She was born May 1, 1937, in West Plains, Mo., to Bertha Russell.

Mother and child lived in several states (where Bertha’s work took them) until they settled in Fresno, Calif. There Betty Jo married “Rusty” Trively in January 1955.

She gave birth to their five children over the next years as they moved northward and settled in Lake County.

In 1974 Betty Jo married her second husband, Gene Gard, who survives her.

She also is survived by four of her children: Marvin Trively, Mary Frann Trively Ainsworth, David Trively (Daisy) and Suzy Trively Pearson (plus Suzy’s sons, Sam and Lyle Pearson).

She is also survived by her many stepchildren and many grandchildren, by several nieces, nephews and cousins; and by two aunts, Mary Afdem in Arizona and Ruth Pipes in Fresno.

She is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Bertha Russell Gard, who passed away in October of 2014, and her beloved daughter, Kat Trively who passed away in February of 2014.

Betty Jo spent her adult life working as a homemaker, as a mother and as a wage earner. She was a babysitter, a clothes ironer, a waitress and cook in restaurants, a secretary and, beginning about 1968, for 15 and a half years she worked for the telephone company that became “AT&T,” first as an operator for four years, then as a supply person, loading supplies on the repair trucks.

She was noted for all the amazing sewing and handwork she did: knitting, crochet, embroidery, especially beautiful handmade quilts. She also had an extensive flower garden that was admired by all.

She was known for her extreme generosity, and selflessness. If you wanted something made or needed help with just about anything, Betty Jo was your “go to” person.

Betty Jo never met a stranger. She was always open-minded and understanding. Except when it came to her name. She insisted she be called Betty Jo, not Betty and you would be corrected immediately if you misspoke.

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the family home in Clearlake. For more information call 707-350-0363.