Elizabeth “Betty” Patterson May 3, 1932 – May 11, 2026

Betty Patterson passed at home on May 11, 2026 in the loving presence of her children.

Betty was born to George and Selma (Beyerling) Hubert in Washington, DC. As the 2nd of four children, she was raised in Colmar Manor, MD before the family moved to Sunnyvale, CA in 1944. After graduating from Fremont HS in Sunnyvale, Betty earned her degree in Education from San Jose State College. She met her husband, Julian “Jim” Patterson, while attending the First Baptist Church of Sunnyvale and they married on August 1, 1952. After their children were born, they moved to Grass Valley in 1964.

Betty was a beloved teacher in the Nevada City School District for 27 years. She taught at Nevada City Elementary and helped open Deer Creek Elementary, where she retired from in 1994. Betty and Jim were generous in opening their home to many people over the years, hosting them for several days to several months as needed. They were avid bowlers in the Fireman’s Invitational League at the Jolly Roger Lanes in Grass Valley.

Betty was instrumental in forming the Christian Women’s Club in Nevada County in the mid-1960s, serving as their first Chairman. While attending the First Baptist Church of Nevada City, she and Jim were Youth Group leaders and she held the roles of Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Choir Director, and Moderator throughout their years of membership.

Upon their retirement, Betty and Jim enjoyed traveling in their 5th wheel trailer, exploring the west with the family and driving the Al-Can Highway to Alaska. Traveling to Greece and the Holy Land fulfilled a lifelong dream.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Jim (2019) and daughters Joan (1958) and Julie Eason (2013). She is survived by her children Nancy and Brad (Susie), 5 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Join us in celebrating her life on June 13, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Community Church of Nevada City, 300 Main Street. For those who feel inclined, Betty lovingly supported Rainbow Acres in Camp Verde, AZ.