Betty Jean Granger

It saddens our hearts to announce that Betty Jean Granger (Peterson), a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, charismatic educator, and our brightest ray of sunshine, passed away on June 24, 2023 after a long illness.

Betty was born in Madison, Wisconsin, the only daughter of Grant & Evelyn Peterson. She grew up in Santa Monica, California and moved to Marina Del Ray, California during her high school years.

She began pursuing her college degree at the University of Southern California. She eventually transferred to the University of North Dakota where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work while being an active member in the Delta Gamma Sorority. It was at the University of North Dakota where she met the love of her life, Richard Granger. They were married on May 31, 1959, and after their graduation, they moved to Newhall, California where they raised three children: Debbie, Dana and Rick. They celebrated their anniversary of 64 years together before her passing.

Betty received her teaching credential from California State University Northridge and went on to get her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from University of La Verne. Following her Master’s degree, she worked for the University of La Verne as a Supervisor/Mentor to the teachers working towards their Administrative Credential. She held many positions within her 50 years in the Newhall School District. She was an Elementary teacher, Vice-Principal, and Principal as well Director of Pre-Schools where she developed the State funded Pre-Schools within the Newhall School District. She was fiercely devoted to the education of every child that walked into her classroom. She touched many lives as an educator. Her impact on our lives and those children she taught will never be forgotten. She was also an active member with the Eta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an International Society whose members are Outstanding Women Educators, the California Retired Teachers Association, and a 50-year distinguished Founding Member of the Santa Clarita Valley Chapter of American Association of University Women where she received awards from the State Assembly and Congress.

Betty is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard Granger, daughters, Debbie Daniels (Mark), Dana Granger, and son, Rick Granger, along with her granddaughters: Briana Daniels, Brittany Daniels and Nicole Daniels, as well as two Great-Grandsons: Brantley Baron and Noah Jeffries. She also leaves behind two sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Vartanian and Carolyn Melby.

Memorial services will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park on August 7, 2023 at noon with a private burial at 1:00 p.m. The family welcomes everyone to celebrate a life well-lived at the Granger residence at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Betty Granger Scholarship through the ETA RHO Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society towards a recruitment Grant for women in Education