Betty Mary Elizabeth Lewis Cox

Betty passed away Sunday March 15, in Loma Linda. Her family was by her side when she was overcome by complications from surgery for a broken hip. She was 92 years old. Betty was born in Bakersfield, CA. in 1916. After the tragic, early death of her mother, the family moved to Pomona, CA where she met her childhood sweetheart, James W. Cox, at the age of 13. Their friendship and courting were marked by years-long seperations while she attended high school in Wisconsin and a subsequent move back to the home of relatives in Bakersfield to pursue an education in nursing. Many tender letters between Jim and Betty were among the treasures she still kept up to the time of her death. After several years of long commutes over two lane country roads from Pomona to Bakersfield, Jim's proposal was accepted, and they were married in 1939. The marriage produced three children, seven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. After the family moved to Redlands in 1951, Betty opened Bouquet Florist, which she operated successfully for many years before passing the shop to her grandson, who continues to operate the business. Betty remained an active participant in the shop until well into her 80's. Betty attended Calvary Chapel of Redlands for many years and was an active member. She was a past president of the Junior Women of the Contemporary Club. She is survived by her three children, Cheryl A. Cox-Deen, James W. Cox Jr. and Dale R. Cox, and their children and grandchildren. Just as she lived her life, she remained clear in thought and tenacious to the very end. Services to celebrate her life will be held in the chapel at Emerson-Bartlett Mortuary on Saturday, March 28, at 11:00am, Redlands, CA.