Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Colm

1916 - 2010

Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Colm April 13, 1916 - October 10, 2010 Private family services were held on October 15th for Ruth Elizabeth Colm, known to all as Bette, who passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on October 10, 2010 at her home in Bakersfield. Bette was born in the small fishing village of Cordova, Alaska on April 13, 1916. Bette's parents, Malcolm and Ailene Brock, left Alaska, and eventually settled in Bakersfield in 1924, where they founded Brock's Department Store, a Bakersfield institution for over 75 years. Betty graduated from Kern County Union (Bakersfield) High School in 1933. Thereafter, she attended Stanford University, earning a Sociology degree in 1937. She returned to Bakersfield and worked for the Kern County Department of Social Services for several years. Bette married W.F. "Bill" Colm in 1939. The marriage lasted 59 years, until Bill's death in 1998. She was a devoted wife and mother of four children, and loved spending time with her family. As a resident of Kern County most of her life, she was committed to the betterment of the community, often donating money to local charities anonymously. Bette was an avid reader and excelled at many hobbies, including needlepoint and gardening. She loved to travel, visiting numerous countries with Bill, who won numerous national and international senior amateur golf tournaments. Bette also loved spending time at their second home in Pebble Beach. She was a member of Stockdale and Monterey Peninsula Country Clubs, where she enjoyed playing golf and bridge with her family and friends. Bette is predeceased by her husband, Bill; her parents, Malcolm and Ailene; and her beloved brother, John Brock Sr. Her wisdom, affection, and generosity will be missed by her numerous family members: son, Bill and wife Jeanette Colm; daughter, Terri and husband Tom Jamieson; daughter, Mary and husband Brad Wirth; daughter, Ann Colm; 7 grandchildren and their spouses, 16 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers or other tributes, the family requests that you merely remember Bette warmly in your hearts. www.bakersfield.com/obits