Obituary of Betty Jean Clay

Betty Jean Clay went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 25, peacefully in her sleep. Betty's beautiful smile and loving spirit will be missed by the many lives she touched. Betty was born in Centralia, Washington, and soon after, her family settled in the Brown's Valley area outside of Watsonville. Betty loved to share the stories of attending school in a one-room schoolhouse and living on a farm with her 8 brothers and sisters. Betty graduated from Watsonville High School and attended Salinas Jr College. She married Ralph Clay on July 30, 1949. Three years later they were in a devastating car accident which left Betty bedridden and flat on her back for 9 months. Through this life changing event, the Lord showed Betty the importance of having a family Three years later their daughter Janet was born and 2 years after that they were blessed with their son Steven. Betty always said that she was grateful for the accident because it stirred her to start her family. Betty's family extended beyond her own home to her workplace at Granite Rock Company where she retired in 1992 after 33 years and formed many lasting friendships. During the last 6 years, Betty found much encouragement and joy attending Calvary Chapel Santa Cruz. The highlight of her week was going to church on Sunday and fellowshipping with her church family. Betty's family, who's rejoicing that she is in the presence of Jesus are: Jan and Stan Petrik (daughter and son-in-law), Steven Clay (son), Stacey and Don Brower and Ryan and Nicole Petrik (grandchildren), Hannah and Caleb Brower, Annyka, Joaquin, and Eva Lilly Petrik (great grandchildren). Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Betty's life at a Memorial Service at Calvary Chapel Santa Cruz on Saturday, November 17 at 2:00 PM.