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Betty Lyons – A Life Remembered

Written by Barbara Grow

If you were to Google “Betty Lyons, North Fork” and you might be surprised at the number and variety of pages that pop up. To those who knew Betty, it would be no surprise at all. She had her hand in anything that had to do with helping and reaching out to others. She had a wit and a smile that could warm any heart and the ability to say what needed to be said. Sheriff John Anderson put it well, “She was feisty, she was funny, and a real go-getter.”

Betty’s service in Madera County spans several decades and includes her sweetheart of many years, Ed Lyons. She and Ed served as “Citizens on Patrol” volunteers for ten years before retiring in 2009. During this time she received numerous commendations and awards for her service.

For 16 years Betty served as an EMT with North Fork Volunteer Fire Department, where she greeted more than one baby who could not wait to be born in a hospital. She has been credited with helping the chronically and acutely ill. Betty spoke with pride that she drove a Code 3 vehicle.

Many seniors appreciate Betty’s tenure as coordinator of The North Fork Senior Nutrition Program. For several years, she and her crew could be found preparing meals for seniors before many of us were out of bed. She is listed as the Senior Nutrition contact in the same publication that published her obituary, the Sierra Star.

On the Ed and Betty Lyons 2home front, Betty raised, and helped to raise many children. She was preceded in death by brother, Leland Ahem; and sons, Richard Lawerence and Steve Lyons. She is survived by husband Edward Lyons; daughters Mary Barder, Diane Graham and husband Stan Yamane, Cecilia Graham Widby and husband Mike Widby, and Cathy Lyons; grandchildren Meghan Barber, Justine Shoemaker and husband Walter, Frank Leppanen, and Molly Zysman and husband Jason; great-grandchildren Justin and Michaela Zysman and Lauren Sedona Shoemaker.

Betty Lyons left this world, June 25, 2012, at the age of 82. She entered, March 25, 1930.


“My Friend Betty Lyons” by Robyn Flory

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