Betty Ann Ambrose

Betty Ann Ambrose, a resident of California for 56 years and of Yucca Valley for 26 years, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015, at her home in Yucca Valley. Betty was born on May 4, 1928, to parents Frank Broza and Josephine (Polniaszek) Broza, in Glen Lyon, Pennsylvania, where she spent her childhood years. She was married to Donald Ambrose Sr., her high school sweetheart, on Oct. 11, 1947, and was married for 68 years. Betty and Don lived in numerous states during Don's military career including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida, moving to Santa Ana, California, in 1959, where they resided for 30 years, and then moving to Yucca Valley in 1989. Betty kept busy raising her family, and also worked in Orange County as a meat wrapper for Safeway Stores in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. She also was a dedicated volunteer at both the VA hospital in Long Beach and St. Joseph Hospital in Orange for over 10 years. Loving her faith, Betty was a faithful parishioner of the Catholic church, where she volunteered her time and talents in many capacities for numerous years at Saint Anne's Church, Santa Ana, and St. Mary of the Valley Catholic Church in Yucca Valley. Betty was deeply devoted to her family, friends and communities. She was a dedicated military wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She was extremely creative and talented; some of her passions were flower arranging, ceramics, sewing and needlepoint. She will also be remembered for her superb culinary skills, preparing exquisite baked goods, treats and delicious family recipes sharing with family and friends alike. A great joy in her life was bringing people together through parties, events and celebrations. And Betty sure knew how to throw a perfect party! Betty's love of travel brought her family together through family camping trips, cruises, house boating at Lake Powell, trips to Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska and international travel with her sweetie, Don. Betty was the most loving, kind, amazing, and beautiful woman who was a pure example of unconditional love and touched the lives of everyone she ever met. Betty is survived by her loving husband, Don Ambrose Sr., of Yucca Valley, and their five children: Don Ambrose Jr. and wife JoAnn (Rancho Santa Margarita), Gary Ambrose and wife Lois (San Clemente), Allan Ambrose and wife Ann (Orange), Diane Gilbert and husband Tim (Yucaipa) and Annette Bourgeau and husband Rob (Yucca Valley). An infant daughter, Gloria Jean, as well as her sister, Florence Wills, preceded her in death. Betty is survived by her six grandchildren: Tawnya Corder (Gary), Paul Ambrose (Becky), Eric Bach, Vanessa Ambrose (Aldo) and Bryan Ambrose, all of Orange County, and Krissy Gilbert (Mike), of Puyallup, Washington. Seven great grandchildren: Nicole, Sean, Anthony, Alexander, Dylan, Devyn and Kylan, all of Orange County, and numerous nephews and nieces, brother- and sisters-in-law and Betty and Don's sweet cat, Smokey, also survive her. Longtime best friends of 50-plus years are Bob and Laverne Harhay and their family (San Clemente). Betty and the Ambrose family are grateful and appreciative for their dear friends and neighbors, Don and Linda Hamilton, as well as the kind and compassionate love given by her friend and caregiver, Stephanie Jarvis. Betty was so loved by everyone. She will remain in our hearts forever! The viewing will be held at Wiefels Mortuary in Yucca Valley from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, and the rosary is at 6 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Jan. 7 at St. Mary of the Valley Catholic Church in Yucca Valley, followed by interment at the Riverside National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.