Obituary of Bette Alice Oakden

Bette Alice Oakden- Bette Alice Oakden passed away August 8, 2011, in Santa Cruz, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Bette was born in Redding, California on April 21, 1949 to Alvin Oakden and Judith Parks. After Bette graduated Garden Grove High School in 1967 she attended Orange Coast College. She lived in several different cities in California including Shasta, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Berkeley, settling in Santa Cruz in 1974. Within a couple years of moving to Santa Cruz, Bette was blessed with the birth of her son Jonah. Bette worked as a Printing Account Executive getting her start at Sentinel Printers in 1985. It was around that time that Bette met her future husband Bill Denevan on a blind date at Riva's on the pier. They were together for many years before marrying in 1996. Bette had so many things she loved in her life. She was an avid gardener, reader and traveler, especially to Mexico. She cherished all aspects of the arts, and found a lot of joy in painting. Bette enjoyed spending time at the beach basking in the sunshine, but most of all she loved her home and family. Bette will fondly be remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother, a great friend, a true companion and for her great sense of humor. Bette is survived by her husband of 15 years Bill Denevan, her son Jonah Oakden, her grandson Seamus Oakden, her 3 step-daughters Zina, Molly, and Claire Denevan, her sister Alana Oakden, and her best friend of 44 years Denise Charles. She is preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Judith Oaken, and her brother Al Oakden. A celebration of Bette's life is planned for August 20, 2011 at the Denevan- Oakden home from 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all donations be made to the Santa Cruz chapter of the SPCA in the name of Bette's beloved beagle Daisy.