Betty Jane Denison

Betty Jane Denison age 97, passed away peacefully Sunday November 7th at her home in Sacramento California. She was born to Henry and Alice Schmidt in the Glendale area of Southern California (proceeded in death by her brother Reynold).

Montrose California is the area she met her lifelong friends that would become extended family for her lifetime. Many of Betty's fondest memories growing up in sunny southern Cailfornia included exploring, horseback riding, and going to the beach with her cousins and friends. Betty later met and married Richard Denison with whom she spent 72 years building a full and adventurous life until his death in April 2016. After Richards service in WWII and many moves around the country, Betty and Richard settled in Northridge California where they raised their daughters Christine and Carol until moving to Sacramento in 1970. Richard left his position as Base Commander at Van Nuys AFB to assume leadership of the California National Guard's Fire Protection Agency at the office of the Adjutant General in Sacramento. Betty was the quiet strength of the family, a quality much admired as a proud military officers' wife often running things on her own as Richard was away frequently during his 33year military career.

Betty lived a life of service to others and found motivation to purse her passion for education in the PTA when her daughter Christine started elementary school. Betty was a dedicated part of the PTA for over 30 years, serving as President, Vice President and several other positions in local as well as statewide chapters. She was instrumental in the One Room School House being relocated to Old Sacramento to ensure that the history of California's education be preserved. The One Room School House was a source of tremendous pride for Betty, serving as a volunteer for over 25 years, often times while children were visiting from other countries. Because of her work with the PTA concerning mental health Betty was nominated and served on the local chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally ill, SAMI. She took every opportunity to teach us about history including her own adventures during her 97years. Betty was a strong proponent of women's freedom of choice issues and equal rights for all. Betty led by example to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Betty will be greatly missed by family and many friends.

Special thanks to Mela Kacimaiwai for her devoted care of Betty with love grace and many afternoon teas, To Jerrylee Vanderhurst and Frieda frequents visits filled with unconditional love and compassion.

Survivors include daughters Christine Nekl and Carol Denison, Godson Jim Owen and Carol Owen, Bettie Regains, Alicia Nekl, James Nekl, Laura Nekl, Kirsten Nekl, Ryan Hernandez, Gabriel Hernandez, Sophia LePage, Great Grandchildren Aidian, Izzy, Ryland, and Riley Nekl and Olivia Hernandez.

In lieu of flowers please honor Betty's memory by Donating to the Betty Denison Memorial Scholarship at Sacto City College. Checks payable Los Rios Colleges Foundation, and sent to 1919 Spanos Court, Sacto Ca, 95825 With "SCC Betty Denison Memeorial Scholarship" either on the check or correspondence accompanying it, Mustard Seed School, or St John's and Childrens Shelter.

Remember to always be kind, thoughtful and understanding to others as Betty always did.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.harryanauman.com for the Denison family.