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Bettye B. Welsh
March 20, 1928 - February 21, 2023
Bettye B. Welsh, 1928-2023
Bettye B. Welsh, 1928-2023

Bettye B. Welsh


March 20, 1928 - February 21, 2023


Bettye entered into rest on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023 at the age of 94.

She was born on March 20, 1928, in Sharyland, Texas to Antonio and Paulina Cavazos. During her time at Sharyland High School, she and other classmates were pen-pals to many World War II servicemen. One particular soldier enjoyed receiving her letters of gratitude, encouragement and photographs. Their written correspondence soon developed into a long-distance romance. He was so smitten that he assured Bettye if he ever made it out of this war alive he would return to ask for her hand in marriage.

Gene survived, kept his promise, and on June 14, 1946, (Flag Day) they were married. Soon after, the newlyweds moved to Ceres, making it their permanent home where they raised their two boys, Ron and Mike. They loved Ceres and became active members in their new community.

Bettye was a founding member of the Persephone Club, a guild focused on the enhancement of the welfare of the community and church. She loved gardening and was active with the Ceres Garden Club. She had a green thumb and could bring any plant back to life. She was also an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Club, Boys State, Girls State, Ceres Little League, and the Ceres Recreation Board, which led her and Gene to become involved in square dancing. They then formed the square dance club called the Ceres Twisters. Bettye taught round dancing which gave rise to the Rockin’ W Rounders Club. She was active in both clubs for more than 40 years.

In addition, for 23 years Bettye was the cafeteria manager in food service for the Ceres Unified School District, preparing everything she could from scratch. One of her many talents were sewing as she designed custom work uniforms for those students who volunteered in the cafeteria, making them feel very special. Throughout her Californian life she was an avid sports fan, “passionately” cheering on the SF Giants, the SF 49ers and the Golden State Warriors. However, her favorite team was the Sacramento Kings.

She is survived by her son, Mike Welsh and his wife Maureen Welsh of Ceres; daughter-in-law Sherry Welsh (wife of Ron) of Oregon; brother Ben Cavazos of Texas; grandchildren Shelly Welsh, Kristie Mantzaris, Jeffrey Welsh, Kimberly Winckler, Michael Eugene Welsh, Morgan Welsh, Nicolas Welsh and Adam Welsh; and 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

Bettye was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Joe Cavazos, Virginia Brocken, Eva Thibideau; son Ron Welsh; and the love of her life of more than 66 years, Gene Welsh.

Visitation is set from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday March 3 at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson with a memorial service, also at Lakewood Memorial, at 10 a.m. on Saturday March 4.

A Celebration of Life reception will follow at Harvest Presbyterian Church 1813 Moffett Road in Ceres, where Bettye was a member.

Remembrances may be sent to: Harvest Presbyterian Church, 1813 Moffett Rd, Ceres, CA 95307.


–Ceres (Calif.) Courier

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Betty Welsh by Jeff
Bettye B. Welsh holding a photo of her younger self. - photo by JEFF BENZIGER/ Courier file photo