Elizabeth Anne "Betty" Hansen

1927 - 2025

Elizabeth "Betty" Anne (nee Pettit) Hansen

August 12, 1927 - August 9, 2025

Merced, California - After a long, accomplished, and abundant life, Betty Hansen died peacefully at The Hampshire Independent Living Center in Merced. CA, just three days shy of her 98th birthday.

Betty, who was a long-time resident of Gustine, Newman, and Merced, dedicated her life to family, friends, service, leadership, and adventure. She traveled the world by boat, plane, car, and in her Airstream trailer. She was an avid golfer and bridge player. She was a lifetime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She worked alongside her husband, Edward, at the Hansen Funeral Chapels in Newman and Gustine, Hansen's Insurance Agency, four mobile home parks and growing walnuts. She held multiple leadership roles with the West Side Hospital Auxiliary, Newman Centennial Celebration, Modesto Newcomers Club, Oakdale Ladies Golf Association, and the Merced Senior Center. She also volunteered as a poll worker for several local and national elections.

Betty was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends. She was a Den Mother, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and PTA Life Time Member. She was also a chairman for AFS Intercultural Programs and housed an AFS student for a year. She loved ballroom dancing, hosting holiday meals, and taking family vacations.

She is survived by her children, Ronald W. Hansen and his wife, Kathryn, Joyce Avila, Diane Talbot and her husband, Lloyd, and Patricia Bettencourt and her husband Dennis.

Betty is also survived by a large, extended family that includes nine grandchildren Forrest Hansen, Sarah Hansen, Lana (Avila) Fischer, Nicole (Avila) Delworth, Annette (Avila) Macha, Richard Bettencourt, Derek Bettencourt, Renee (Bettencourt) Khalid, and Mark Bettencourt along with their spouses, as well as 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Edward W. Hansen, and sons-in-law, Darwin J. Buzz Whitford and Donald Avila. She was also preceded in death by her parents, May and Fred Pettit, and three sisters, Rena Pettit, Freda Coelho, and Clara Soares.

The family is grateful for the outflow of support from friends, relatives and neighbors. They would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Angie, Lani, Stephanie, and Lupe for the loving care they provided during her final months of life.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held on Saturday, September 6th at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Merced. 10:00 a.m. Rosary, 10:30 a.m. Mass. Reception to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Merced Senior Center or to one's favorite charities.