Betty Jo Pedro

Betty Jo Pedro died Jan. 25, 2004. Betty Pedro was born in rural Oklahoma, near the town of Wilburton, June 20, 1925, to Nathan Eli and Dora Elizabeth (Smith) Colwell. She was raised in Oklahoma. At the age of 12, Betty made her first trip into Wilburton. She traveled with her father and sister to Richmond, Calif., when she was 17 years of age.

During World War II, Betty worked as a welder at the shipyards in Richmond. She also worked as a housekeeper, part-time commercial fisherman and did some modeling stand-ins for movie stars in Hollywood.

Betty began a career with Western Electric Company, doing telephone repairs. Her career lasted over 25 years. She worked at the plant in Emeryville, Calif. and then on to San Leandro. She was married to John N. Pedro in Virginia City, Nev., on Nov. 2, 1969.

Betty loved refinishing furniture, cooking, fishing, garage sales, Beanie Babies, going out with the coffee group to McDonalds and eating out. She was a member of the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, Aloha Shrine 27 of Walnut Creek, Calif.

Betty is survived by her husband John, at the family home, Oak Harbor; by two daughters, Sheila Reynolds of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, and Jill Bauer of Rio Vista, Calif. One sister Wanda Maxey of Wilburton, Okla., seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren also survive. Her parents, one brother and three sisters preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m., at Burley Funeral Chapel with Rev. Fred Renfroe officiating. Committal services will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.