Betty L. Jackson

Betty Lou Jackson was born as Betty Lou Barnacle on July 12, 1937 to Arthur and Sarah Barnacle in Oto, Iowa. She grew up with her older sister, Beverly, and younger sister, Ruth, where she attended Sioux City schools and graduated high school from Central High School in 1955.

Betty married Kenney Jackson on October 5, 1957, and they were married for over 40 years. She lived in Glendale, CA early on during her marriage when her first two children were born, then moved to Ventura, CA where she had four more children. While living in Southern California, she worked for the State of California for several years.

A few years after her two eldest children graduated high school, and her eldest daughter got married and gave Betty her first grandchild, Betty moved from Ventura to Angwin, CA and worked in the Registrar’s Office at Pacific Union College. After her next two children graduated high school and started college, she then moved to Oakhurst, CA where her two youngest children graduated high school and then went on to finish college.

Throughout her life, Betty loved many activities including baking delicious treats, bike riding, water skiing, playing tennis, doing yardwork, sewing, doing puzzles, playing cards, playing the piano and singing. She enjoyed giving back and caring for those in need. Her favorite times included singing or humming her favorite tunes and spending time with family that she loved.

Later in life, she moved back to Southern California closest to her second eldest daughter and her son-in-law who often visited Betty throughout the years and were very involved in her life. Betty lived for several years in Studio City and lastly, at Glen Park at Valley Village for the final eight years of her life. Her favorite activities were going to Bob’s Big Boy, Shakey’s Pizza and other restaurants with her family. She also loved puzzles, playing cards and going on walks, but there wasn’t a day that went by without her singing songs even when there was no music playing.

Betty was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Sarah Barnacle, her sister, Ruth and her brother-in-law, Les Irwin, and her son-in-law, Jerome “J.R.” Rafoth.

Betty was loved by many people and is survived by an extensive family tree who will carry on her memory. Her legacy includes:

Five daughters, Debbie; Teresa Schweizer (Rolf Schweizer); Cindi Rafoth; Vicki Grenier (Alain Grenier); and Kathy “Katie” Jackson; and only son, Robert “Bobby” Jackson (Patricia “Patty” Jackson).

Six grandchildren, Julie Layden (Kent Layden); Brian Hetrick (Kati Hetrick); Jacob, Joshua and Jordyn Jackson; and one other.

Nine great-grandchildren, Victoria, Madison and Carson Layden; Owney, Odin and Ozzie Hetrick; and three others.

Betty is also survived by her sister Beverly Montagne; and her five nieces and nephews, Jeff Montagne (Jean Montagne); Linda Bird (Pat Bird); Staci Ingram (Mike Ingram); Kirk Irwin (Sue Ellen Irwin); Kevin Irwin (Karen Irwin); and extended family members including numerous cousins, great and great-great nieces and nephews; and members of the Jackson family tree.

Betty was a special lady who impacted many lives around her. She is loved and will be greatly missed and remembered by those with whom she crossed paths. She greatly desired to live to be 100, but more than that, she wanted to go to heaven. Betty will be laid to rest on July 12, 2023 near her parents, sister and brother-in-law at a private memorial service at Memorial Park Cemetery.