Betty was born in Fresno, California on September 22, 1929. She was Clarence (Elmer) and Lily Abbott's first daughter. She grew up in a one bedroom home with her parents and sister, Luvena. She attended Roosevelt High School and spent much of her time with her best friend Gaynor. She would tells us about the times she worked as an usher at the Hardy Theater located in downtown Fresno. She met her beloved husband, Marvin Wild, while attending Roosevelt High and after she graduated they were married on March 19,1949.
Betty and Marvin had only two homes during their life together and Marvin built both of them himself. They moved into their first home before their children, Jan and Keith, were born. The second home was built in the late 50's and was able to raise their two children and created many memories as they grew up. She lived there until 2022.
Betty worked at Gottschalk's Department Store as a gift wrapper and the telephone company. Once her children were born she was a stay-at-home mom. She took great pride in her home and loved to cook. She also took great pride in the yard and definitely had a green thumb when it came to plants. She volunteered at Fresno Community Hospital Women's Auxiliary Group. She was proud of the work and leadership she gave to the Red Coats.
She loved her Dodgers. She would listen to the games on her radio or watch their games on TV religiously. She could tell you their statistics and which pitcher they should have put in to pitch. If asked, she would tell you that she could coach them better than the coach they had.
The only thing that she loved more than the Dodgers was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always wanted to know what they were doing and if there were any new pictures. Her walls of her bedroom during this last year was full of pictures of them. She would light up when they would come to visit. She looked forward to holding her seventh great granddaughter during the holidays. That was enough of a present for her.
Betty is survived by her daughter Jan Merlo and her husband Fred Merlo; her daughter-in-law Margaret Wild; her grandchildren Mark Merlo and his wife Ashley Merlo, Beth Merlo, Rick Merlo and his wife Adrienne, Curt Merlo and his wife Rita, Kevin Wild, and Julie Wild. Betty also leaves behind her great grandchildren Caiden, Sophie, Ellis, June, Remi, Kinsley and Rei. She is also survived by her sister Luvena Jacobsen, along with her nephews Joe Jacobsen and his wife Linda Jacobsen, Mike Jacobsen and his wife Michelle Jacobsen, and Bob Jacobsen.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents Clarence (Elmer) Abbott and Lily Abbott, her husband Marvin Wild, her son Keith Wild, her brother-in-laws Joe Jacobsen and Dale Wild, and her sister-in-law Phyllis Wild.
A thank you to all the caregivers from Serenity Gardens and Right at Home that were by her side for four years and the great care that they gave her everyday. A special thank you to Phoeun at Serenity Gardens and to Dr. Phiripes and Dr. Minor for the outstanding care that was given to Betty during her final years.
A Visitation for Betty will be held Monday, March 4, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Boice Funeral Home, 308 Pollasky Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
Immediately following the Visitation, a Chapel Service will occur at Boice Funeral Home.
A Committal Service will occur Monday, March 4, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at Clovis Cemetery, 305 North Villa Avenue, Clovis, California 93612.
Serving as pallbearers are Mark Merlo, Fred Merlo, Rick Merlo, Curt Merlo, Kevin Wild and Julie Wild.
