Elizabeth Wilbur & Jerald Wilbur

Elizabeth Wilbur, fondly known as Betty, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 1, 2024, at the age of 95. Born in Los Angeles, CA, to Dale and Elizabeth Phillips and joining sister Dorothy, Betty spent her childhood in the Culver City area and Imlay, Nevada. She graduated from Hamilton High School and furthered her education at the Willis Santa Monica College of Business, where she crossed paths with her future husband, Jerry Wilbur.

Jerald (Jerry) Wilbur, a beloved resident of Santa Monica, CA, departed this world on August 1, 2019, at the age of 92. He was Born in Bakersfield, CA, to William and Eula Wilbur, and was soon followed by sister Shirley. Jerry developed a fighting spirit early on as he overcame polio in his childhood. After working as a butcher for the family business and elsewhere, Jerry went on to dedicate over 35 years of service to the City of Santa Monica, starting at the Santa Monica Pier and retiring as the Assistant City Treasurer. His outgoing nature made him a familiar face around town.

Betty and Jerry's life journey began on September 11, 1949, as they exchanged vows at the Little Chapel of the Dawn in Santa Monica. Despite a brief period of separation during Jerry's time in the Army, their union endured for an impressive 69 years and 11 months. They were inseparable. Right up to his passing, Jerry displayed amazing patience and great tenderness toward Betty as her memories declined due to Alzheimer’s. He was the really nice guy that sat next to her and held her hand.

Jerry and Betty raised their family in Santa Monica and maintained an active household on 2nd Street into retirement enjoying their grandchildren, community, activities with the Odd Fellows & Rebekahs, and traveling as much as possible with family and friends. The house was often filled with neighbors and family as Jerry loved to tell a tall tale and Betty blessed everyone with her kind soul, infectious smile, and gentle nature.

They are survived by their children, Gail, Joyce, Keith, and Jeri Lynne, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Jerry is survived by his sister, Shirley.

The family expresses gratitude to Jun, Tessie, Efren, Rose, and Nurse Penny for their compassionate care of Betty in her final days at Rose Garden Villa.

A private ceremony at sea will be held in the near future to celebrate their lives together.