Mountain Ranch, CA…Elizabeth Louise “Betty” Mitton, a long-time resident of Mountain Ranch, CA, died in her home Thursday, April 30th, from natural causes.  Born on July 11, 1933, Betty was born and raised in the town of Blackfoot, ID. Tall and athletic, she played softball competitively as a teen, travelling for tournaments and playing nearly every position. She was a formidable golfer and bowler, as well. Whether she was a fan or a participant, Betty loved all sports. It was little surprise, then, that she first met Gary Mitton at a high school basketball game.

Betty and Gary were married in 1951 in the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Blackfoot. As husband and wife, they embarked on countless adventures together and raised five children in the process. Even though she travelled the world and lived in exotic places like Peru, Chile, and Australia, Betty would say her greatest achievement was her family.

When she retired, Betty didn’t sit idle. She volunteered at El Camino Hospital in Mountain View and was a teacher’s assistant at the Mountain Ranch alternative school, dedicating herself to helping others. She especially loved working with her students, many of which called her “grandma” and remembered her long after they graduated.

True to her loyal nature, Betty was a dedicated San Francisco Forty Niners and Giants fan until the end. She rarely missed a chance to cheer on “her guys”, rooting them on from home and discussing the games, lineup, and plays.

Betty was well loved by all who knew her, and she could rarely go to town without being greeted by a former student, friend, or neighbor. She was a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend. Her genuine kindness, her selfless acts of love and charity, and her signature boisterous laugh will be missed.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, John Gary Mitton; her parents Frank and Marie Bischoff; her brother, Jim Bischoff; and her sister, Margaret Jergensen.

She is survived by her large and loving family: her sister, Marie Williams of Elko, NV; her children Dale Mitton of Kauai, HI (children Ryann and Kyle), Jim Mitton of Kailua, HI, Ray Mitton of Mountain Ranch, Lou Ann Pulizzano of Weaverville (husband Dan and children David and Israel), and Kevin (children Christy, Brian, and Stuart); as well as seven great-grandchildren.

A private memorial will be held for immediate family. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Amador and Calaveras in Jackson, CA 95642.