BETTY JANE REYNOLDS Betty Jane Reynolds (Karppi) was born on October 18, 1928 to Paul (Iisalma, Finland) Esther Karppi (whose family immigrated from Finland) in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Betty was proud of her Finnish heritage and raised her children and grandchild to enjoy the benefits of a sauna. She had an older brother, William and younger sister, Margaret (both deceased). During her childhood, due to her father's work as a journeyman electrician, she lived in Montana, Utah, Washington and finally Oakland, California. She graduated from Castlemont High School in 1946. She went on to graduate from Armstrong College where she then accepted a position with General Motors, Finance Division. Betty danced professionally for a dance troupe in San Francisco where she had two dance solos in the opera Carmen at the San Francisco Opera House. She had many dance appearances on television and other venues. Betty also played the marimba and piano. Betty met Larry Reynolds in 1952. Larry says it was "love at first sight" for him but took Betty a little convincing after he didn't want to attend her family picnic! They married December 7, 1953 at the Lutheran Church in Reno, Nevada. They later moved to San Francisco where Larry managed a premier steak house there. Betty worked for Hoover Company until their daughter Juliet was born (1955); she then focused on raising her children. Their son Bradley was born in 1960 in Castro Valley, California where they had moved to be closer to Larry's work at Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton, California. Betty went back to work for Sterling Transit Company after her children were grown. They moved to Chico, California in 1976 as Larry became the general manager at Butte Creek Country Club and Betty went to work for Pacific Bell Telephone Company from where she eventually retired. She enjoyed playing golf with the Women's Group at Butte Creek Country Club as well as the many courses they played in their travels across the country. She took up watercolor painting, as that had been a talent of hers. Her greatest joy was when her granddaughter, Chloe, was born and she became "Gramma." Betty so enjoyed being a grandmother and was involved in all Chloe's activities and attended all her athletic games. Betty was a member of the Community Church of God and also participated in Bible study. Betty was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by her husband of 68 years, Larry Reynolds, her daughter Julie Bartel (Dan), her granddaughter Chloe Bartel, and her son Brad Reynolds (Beth). She will also be missed by her nieces Marja Ambler (Mike), Marjorie Ball (Dale), grandniece Tara and grandnephew Zach. There will be a Celebration of Life at Brusie Funeral Home on January 21, 2022 at 11:00am followed by graveside service at Glen Oaks Memorial Cemetery. A Remembrance luncheon will be held at a later date.

Published by Chico Enterprise-Record from Jan. 9 to Jan. 16, 2022.