Betty Mae Baker Duncan Lopez

Betty Mae Baker Duncan Lopez May 13, 1921 - Oct. 6, 2010 Resident of Fremont Betty passed away peacefully October 6, 2010. She was born May 13, 1921 in Fayette, Iowa. Her parents, Archie Baker of Fayette and Mae Alderson of Strawberry Point, preceded her in death. As the only child of an Iowa farmer she learned early the value of hard work. She graduated from Fayette High School in 1938 and attended Upper Iowa University before heading west to California in the fall of 1943. She initially settled in Richmond and began work as a waitress at a local caf‚. Then in 1944 with World War II in full swing, she went to work for Ford Motor Company at the Richmond Tank Depot where patriotic men and women produced jeeps, tanks, and other combat vehicles committed to the war effort. In fact, her first two months at the tank depot were Ford's two highest producing months during the war. Those who knew her were not surprised to learn she was a part of the effort which led the Richmond plant to receive an 'E' award, the top award given by the US military to manufacturing facilities for excellence in support of the war effort. In 1946, she wed Ed Duncan and lived in San Francisco until they moved to Fremont in 1954. Their first child, a girl, was stillborn but eventually the union produced two children, Mark and Ronda. In 1955, the Ford Plant moved to Milpitas, Ca. Although many women left the work force after the war, Betty chose to remain employed, working in a division of the plant called 'general stores'. Early in her career, she participated in the company bowling team. She led the Tank Depot girls as team captain, once bowling a perfect game of 300. Betty eventually divorced and a few years later, she met and married another Ford employee, Ruben (RJ) Lopez of Santa Clara. Together, she and RJ raised three children, adding Kevin to the family in 1964. She remained a loyal Ford Employee and UAW member for over 40 years. She retired in 1986 after the plant closure. Throughout her life she remained a loyal supporter of Ford products. Betty and RJ remained married for 46 years until his death in 2008. Betty's favorite saying was "practice what you preach" and she did just that, holding steadfastly to the principles she honored: family, education, and hard work. Although she had much to be proud of, she was most proud of her children. She used 'tough love' before the phrase was popular, but that love was unconditional. She made many sacrifices to insure her children had the education she so strongly believed in, and every grandchild and great grandchild can attest to receiving savings bonds for Christmas to fund their future education in place of the usual toys. She loved spending time with family and friends, and was always the first one to the table for the family's traditional holiday game of 'blitz'. Many unsuspecting newcomers fell prey to her skill at the card game and became wary the next time she invited them to "bring your quarters". She may not have been born an avid sports fan but became one as she supported her children's various sports endeavors, often traveling around the state and country to watch them play. In addition to their high school teams at Washington and American, she supported Boise, Fresno, and Chico State teams. Although she tried her best never to play favorites between the kids, there was no doubt she would be cheering for the Boise State football team when they played Fresno because Mark had played for Boise. She was a longtime fan of the Collegiate World Series, the Giants baseball team, and she and RJ were staunch supporters and season ticket holders of the Oakland Raiders for more than 40 years. Betty displayed an indomitable spirit with a zest for life that was infectious. Her optimism and courage served her well through the depression, World War II, the loss of a child and other challenges she would eventually face. She showed remarkable resilience, fortitude, and humor throughout her life, but never was it more evident than in the past two years. She was an exceptional role model to her children and grandchildren, helping her fellow man and treating all people with respect regardless of color or religion. She believed life was rich, that beauty was everywhere, that every personal connection had meaning, and that laughter was life's sweetest creation. While this country can be thankful she was a member of the 'greatest generation', her family is simply grateful for the long full life she lived and for the many lessons she passed on to them. At this time of Thanksgiving, her children are forever thankful this amazing woman was their mother. Loving mother of Mark Duncan & his wife Shirley of Boise, ID, Kevin Lopez & his wife Susan of Hayward, and Ronda Duncan-Little & her husband James of Clovis. Caring grandmother of Matt & his wife Wendy, Adam & his wife Lindsay, Greg & his wife Tresea, Leslie & her husband Jonathan, Ryan, and Logan. Great grandmother of Kathryn, Luke, Cameron, Andrew, Ryan, Calvin, Logan, and Mahalah. The family gives special thanks and appreciation to Imelda and Enrico Cruz, their children, and caregivers Daisy and Aurora, at Gibraltar Assisted Living for the loving care and companionship they provided. The family is also thankful for the comfort provided by Vitas Hospice Care. Betty's children would also like to recognize their family and friends for their continued support and invite you to join in a celebration of life on Sunday, November 21st, 2pm at Fremont Memorial Chapel, 3723 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. Inurnment at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Gustine, CA. Remembrances may be made in lieu of flowers to The Hanna Boys Center of Sonoma, CA, the American Diabetes Association, or the college, university, or charity of your choice. Fremont Memorial Chapel (510) 793-8900