Betty was born on April 8, 1931, in Edgerton, Minnesota to parents Jilles and Marjorie Van Nieuwenhuyzen and entered into heaven on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. She lived most of her life in the Ripon, and Escalon areas. She was a vibrant member of the Escalon Christian Reformed Church, teaching Sunday School, coordinating Vacation Bible School, serving as a member of the Service Guild, and spreading the gospel while on mission trips to Guatemala and China. She loved raising calves on her dairy, running with her friends (completing a marathon at age 52), searching for garage sale treasures, and hosting many family gatherings at her home. She also served as a board member of Sierra Salem for many years.

During the last four years of her life she was lovingly cared for by the devoted staff at Caring Hands (a residential facility) and Bristol Hospice. Survivors include her three children, Linda (Jim) Johnson, Sandy (Mike) Sutton and Lester Van Weerdhuizen; three grandchildren, Mica Sutton, Rory (Megan) Johnson, and Lee (Kieu) Sutton; and four great-grandchildren, Julliette (Sierra) Humiston, Trenton Stone, Connor Stone, and Alexis Stone. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, George Van Weerdhuizen.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 21 at 10 a.m. at Burwood Cemetery, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Escalon Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California St., Escalon. Memorial donations can be made to Sierra Salem or the Escalon Christian Reformed Church.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

July 19, 2023