Betty S. VanReddick

Betty grew up in Kerman and graduated from Kerman High in 1936. She married Robert Jay Burns of Fresno and together they had four children. Betty worked as a bookkeeper in multiple businesses around Fresno then, after a divorce, was employed as a court clerk in Fresno County Municipal Court until she retired at age 75.

A cornerstone of her life was her Christian faith and Betty was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fresno since 1953. She married Paul Van Reddick and inspired him to find faith as well.

Betty loved to travel, planning and sharing her experiences; she visited every continent except Antarctica on 33 major trips and cruises with the most memorable being a cruise up the Amazon and a trip to Israel.

She loved playing games with friends and family and taught us all lessons in patience, goodness, winning and losing. Betty had a genuine way of interacting with others, showing true empathy and caring and she was a valued friend to so many over the years. In the last three years, she made many new friends at Cottonwood Court participating actively in life there including being an authority on the SF Giants, working on puzzles and in teaching others new games.

She lived independently in her house on Harvey Street in Fresno for over 50 years driving until age 91.

Betty will be deeply missed by all in the Fresno community whom she touched.

She was predeceased by her daughter Barbara Jaggers and her two former husbands.

Surviving sons are Robert Burns of Seattle, Washington, Charles Burns of San Francisco, and David Burns of Citrus Heights, California, her older brother Earl Shuey of Kerman, nine grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She will also be missed by her pastor and trusted friend Karen Deutscher who inspired and supported her through sorrow and happiness these many years.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 23 at 10 AM at Stephens & Bean Chapel in Fresno.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Betty's name to Grace Lutheran Church or the Salvation Army.

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.