Betty Jean Benham 9/26/1929-12/15/2023

Betty Jean was born in Royersford, Pennsylvania on September 26, 1929. Betty passed away peacefully in Auburn California on December 15, 2023. Betty was born to Robert Sr. and Maxine Bell. She joined brothers Eugene (Gene), Robert Jr. (Bob), Richard (Dick), Jack and sister Dorothy (Dottie) at home and later sister Gloria joined the family. After spending time back east in Illinois and Wyoming their family made their way to Auburn, California in 1938. Betty attended in Lincoln Way Elementary School and graduated from Placer High School in 1947. Betty had a great love for music as she came from a family with a musical background. She especially enjoyed playing her trumpet throughout her high school years. After graduating from Placer High she attended Placer Junior College, San Jose State, and Sac State Universities. Betty also worked at the State Theatre as an usherette where she met fellow co-worker George Benham Sr. A man she unconditionally fell in love with. They married in April 1951. After marrying they spent time back east and the mid-west before returning to California where they eventually settled in Meadow Vista to raise their young family. Betty received her teaching credentials in 1963 and taught first grade for Auburn Union School District. She started at Alta Vista School and transferred over to Rock Creek School where she retired after 30 years. She received her Life Teaching Diploma in 1970. Her passion for children showed as she continued to raise her growing family. Her happiest times were when her kids were ever so active and enjoying the simple pleasures of a small community. Betty remained involved with her fellow teachers long after retirement. She enjoyed traveling, art, and reading. She volunteered for years at her Church, Interfaith Food Closet and was always quick to take a sick friend a pot of soup or her famous pumpkin bread. She is preceded in death by her loving husband George Sr., son Curtis, and daughter Carla. Betty is survived by sons George Jr. "Skip" Benham of Auburn; Stephen (& Elaine) Benham of Auburn; Brent Benham of Auburn, Timothy Benham (& Anu) of Texas; daughters Deborah (& Deane) Dean of Oregon, and Jan (& Dan) Quarton of Auburn; 16 Grandchildren, 18 Great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a great strong lady; an inspiration to many and will be missed by all who had the chance to know her. In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to the Auburn Interfaith Food Closet, located at 1788 Auburn Ravine Road, Auburn.