Betty Lee Colburn Myers
April 1, 1925 – June 12, 2020
Betty Lee Colburn Myers passed away at the age of 95 years on June 12, 2020, in Turlock.
Betty was interred in the Turlock Memorial Park, near her husband, son, parents, siblings, and in-laws, in a private graveyard service on June 19.
Betty was born to Olga Neuhardt Colburn and Clare Colburn, Sr., on April 1, 1925, the youngest of eight children. Betty was born in the family home on East Avenue in Turlock, attended Turlock schools and graduated from Turlock High in 1942. Betty graduated from Modesto Junior College and San Jose State College.
She married Phillip Myers in 1947 and had six children. Phil was a U.S. rural letter carrier for 32 years in Ceres, where they lived their remaining years on the east side of town. They owned a cabin outside of Aptos and later a home in Santa Cruz, which they enjoyed visiting. Betty was raised in the Turlock Methodist Church, later joining the Ceres church and recently the Hughson church. Betty belonged to the Ceres Grange, Ceres Senior Citizens, the Salvation Army Home League and the Ceres American Legion Auxiliary.
Betty left her mark on the Ceres community by writing the “Cooks Corner” recipe column in the Ceres Courier for 15 years and for being one of the individuals who entered “Smyrna Park” in the “name the Park” contest. She enjoyed life and frequently wore unique hats to put smiles on faces. She enjoyed yard sales, thrift stores, and anywhere else in search of bargains.
Betty is survived by five children, Gene (Kate) Myers, Myrnice (Tom) Valentine, Elwin (Jenny) Myers, Charlotte (John) Hyun and Loretta Hietala. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, eight nieces/nephews, an older sister (who is 101 years), and a large number of cousins. The family is indebted to Ron and Jo Anne Gresham and Otis Wells for their invaluable assistance and friendship.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, six siblings, son Garold Myers, and stepson Roger Myers.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Salvation Army Modesto Red Shield, P.O. Box 580480, Modesto, CA, 95358; or to United Samaritans Foundation, 220 South Broadway Street, Turlock CA 95380.
