Elizabeth "Betty" Nottelmann

ELIZABETH "BETTY" NOTTELMANN

A service for Elizabeth "Betty" Nottelmann, 86, of Chico will be held at 11 am, Friday, May 11, 2007, at the Bidwell Memorial Presbyterian Church.

She died Sunday, April 15, 2007 in Chico. Betty was born in Boise, Idaho on March 12, 1921, to William F. and Myrtle M. Meyer. She was raised in Vallejo, Calif., and graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics in 1943.

On July 29, 1945, she married Fred Nottelmann of Chico. Together, and later with their son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Betty managed Nottelmann Orchards, an almond farming company in Butte County. Betty was the financial manager of the company until the mid-1990s. Always very pragmatic, she held the position of final approval for the strategic direction of the company.

While raising their three children, the family enjoyed horseback camping in the Trinity Alps and Lassen Park. They also loved family house boating trips. Betty and Fred were avid salmon fishermen. Up until her late 70s they spent the heat of the summer navigating and fishing the waters of the Pacific near Trinidad, Calif. She perfected the art of homemaking, was an avid gardener and an accomplished seamstress. "Grandma Betty" often planned fun activities and projects for her four grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

Betty was a devoted parent, a friend to many, and a tireless volunteer. Earlier in her life, she was a member of Chico's Amigos square dancing group, a cub scout and campfire girl leader, and a volunteer with the American Cancer Society "Reach for Recovery Program". She was a charter member of the Enloe Hospital Guild, a member of both the Bidwell Memorial Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Women's Group. She was a representative of the Resident Council at Sierra Sunrise Terrace Lodge.

She is survived by her two daughters: Linda (Ron) Stremel of Mount Shasta and Chris (Steve) Gibson of Chico; a son, Bob (Oan) Nottelmann of Chico; four grandchildren; a great-grand-daughter; her brother Richard Meyer of Vallejo and her dear friend and care giver, Kathy Foster.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and the Bidwell Memorial Presbyterian Church in care of Bidwell Chapel, which is handling arrangements.