Betty L. Swanson

Betty L. Swanson April 7, 1928 - February 21, 2012 The life of Betty Lois (Petitt) Swanson spanned nearly 84 years. She was born April 7th, 1928 and went on to be with the Lord on February 21st, 2012. Betty lived a full life shared by a large family and countless friends. Her parents were Grover and Mary Petitt of Sheldon, Iowa. Betty grew up with 11 brothers and sisters. Betty married the love of her life, John (Jack) Douglas Swanson on January 29th, 1949. Together they raised 3 sons, John Jr, Bruce, and Robert. Betty enjoyed competitive roller skating and ice skating. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Delano where she taught Sunday school for many years. Betty was a Cub Scout leader and Boy Scout leader. She was a member of the Delano Women's Club, Soroptomist's, and Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She has worked as a Western Union Telegraph operator, a legal secretary, a sales clerk at Meadow's Field gift shop, and enjoyed life as a farmers wife. Betty enjoyed welcoming people into her home for times of fun and food. She loved to dance and was a member of Edna Nelson's Dance group. Betty also enjoyed painting and writing poetry as a way of expressing her feelings. She was extremely devoted to family and was lovingly involved with each family member which including brothers, sisters, children, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and anyone who came to know her. She was often referred to as Aunt Betty, Grandma Betty, or Nana by many people who became part of her life. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Jack, of nearly 34 years. She is survived by her children John Jr. & Pam Swanson of Delano, Bruce & Tammy Swanson of Tulare, and Robert and Maria Swanson of Bakersfield. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Shane & Keri Swanson of Bakersfield, Keith & Nikki Swanson of Visalia, Shelby Swanson of Bakersfield, Julie & Chris Bawdon of Hollister, James Swanson, Robert Swanson, and Christina Swanson each of Bakersfield. Her great grandchildren include, Hunter, Carter, and Tanner Swanson; Austin, Trent, & Brooke Swanson; and Isis, Benjamin, and Annaleese Bawdon. Among her many extended family members are niece Audrey Dyar, great nieces Sheryl Alexander and Buffy Raya and their beautiful families, sister-in-law Jane Randolph and many nieces and nephews. Her surviving brothers, sisters, and their spouses and families are all remembered as a wonderful part of her legacy. Betty was also preceded in death by her great nephew David Dyar Jr. Viewing will be made available at Delano Mortuary on Tuesday February 28th,2012 from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Graveside services will be held a North Kern Cemetery in Delano at 1:30 pm Tuesday February 28th, 2012. A time of celebration, reflection and food will be held immediately following. Loved ones are encouraged to come and share their love of Betty Swanson and her life with one another. Our family wishes to thank the staff at Delano Skilled Nursing Facility and to Hoffman Hospice for their loving care to our mother. We ask that contributions be made to Hoffman Hospice in Betty's name.

Arrangements under the direction of Delano Mortuary, Delano, CA.