Betty Ruth Howard

During the final hours of her life, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends, Betty Ruth (Oliver) Howard, 61, of Santa Paula, said goodbye to her loved ones and went home to be with her precious Lord and Savior Jesus. She was welcomed into the arms of those she loved that had gone home before her on Tuesday, November 19, 2013.

Betty leaves behind the love of her life and husband of 40 years, Keith; loving daughters and son-in-law, Jeanne (Art) Rodriguez and Karen Howard; mother, Margie Oliver; her five precious grandchildren, Alicia, Junior, Philip, Lilian and (soon to be born) Andrew; siblings Jack Oliver, Janet (Bill) Lindsay, Joe (Pam) Oliver, Ed (Donna) Oliver and several nieces and nephews that she loved dearly. Betty is preceded in death by her beloved father Milton Oliver; mother-in-law Roxie Howard; and father-in-law Delbert Howard.

She was born February 17, 1952, to Milton and Margie Oliver of Santa Paula, the third of five children. She was a lifelong resident of Santa Paula, a teacher at several private schools in the city for many years and served the last 19 of her final years at Skillin-Carroll Mortuary (her mission field).

Betty’s other loves in her life were; Valley Community Foursquare Church, where she loved to worship the Lord, actively served as a children’s ministry teacher, joyfully sang on the worship team, and was the beloved potluck organizer. She had an eye and love for painting beautiful pictures, enjoyed family camping trips, delighted in anything and everything her kids and grandkids were involved in, and loved the luxury of enjoying the view from her stateroom balcony while cruising the Mexican Riviera, her favorite annual vacation.

There will be a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, November 23, 2013, 10:00 A.M. at Valley Community Foursquare Church, 611 E. Main Street, Santa Paula, with Pastor David McKeever officiating, a committal service to follow at Santa Paula Cemetery.