BETTY RUTH G. COOLEY, FUHS 1944

Betty Ruth G Cooley

August 20, 1926 - March 1, 2018

Betty Ruth (Gifford) Cooley was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on March 1, 2018 passing away peacefully at her home in Placentia, California. She was 91 years old.

Born in 1926 to Maurice and Mildred Gifford of Lindsay, California, Betty lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, the moon landing, the rise of the internet...and 16 different presidents.

In 1942 she moved with her family to Fullerton and attended Fullerton Union High School.

 Betty enrolled at the University of Southern California, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. 

After college she enjoyed a brief stint in the entertainment industry,working at RKO Studios during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Betty wed Jack Cooley in 1953, and they enjoyed many wonderful years of love and laughter until his death in 1992. When her children were young, her primary focus was on being a homemaker. She later worked as an Anaheim Convention Center 'Red Coat' where she made many new friends — and bridge partners. A long-time member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, she also served as an active member of P.E.O. and the Assistance League. Betty enjoyed books, movies, Broadway theater (especially musicals) and jazz.

She had a special affection for vocalist Sarah Partridge, whom she claimed to have 'discovered.'

She danced the Balboa and could do a mean tap dance.

She and Jack also enjoyed travel, including memorable trips to Asia and Europe, and she later made several visits to New York City with her daughter and close friends. Her life was a testament of grace and love to all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Claudia; her son, Todd; and her grandchildren, Braden Cooley, Paige Cooley Schmidt and her husband, Matt Schmidt.

 A celebration of her life will be held at Coyote Hills Country Club on Sunday, March 18, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

http://obits.ocregister.com/obituaries/orangecounty/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=188421698