There is a tree that grows inside of me. Yes, a tree.
And a bird is in the tree.
When the bird sings, people think of me . . .

February 22, 1925 – November 29, 2011

Betty Elizabeth Myers, 86, from La Crescenta died of cancer at her home on Wednesday, Nov. 29.

Betty was born a coal miner’s daughter in Thomas, W. Va. on Feb. 22, 1925. Her parents were Peter Paul and Antonia (Milavec) Sedmock, immigrants from Slovenia. She was one of seven children, four brothers and three sisters.

While working in Ohio as one of the “Rosie the Riveters” during war time, she met and married a native Californian, Roy Sim Myers of La Crescenta.

Once he was out of the service they settled near his family in La Crescenta and raised three children.

Betty had many different jobs in her life with her most recent being a custodian for the Glendale Unified School District. Her favorite hobbies were bowling, golfing, fishing, sewing, baking and gardening.  She was fondly called “the plant lady” in her neighborhood.

Betty was an active member in The Pioneer Club of Holy Redeemer Church, New Beginnings of St. James The Less Church, the Retired Service Volunteers Flintridge and she also attended the Sparr Heights Senior Center in Montrose.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Betty L. Gjesdal of La Crescenta and son Perry O. Myers of Walnut Grove;  grandchildren Ana G. Skidmore, Bjorn E. Gjesdal, Amber L. Myers and Adam R. Myers; great granddaughter Emma E. Skidmore; brothers Edward Sedmock of Canton, Ohio and Stanley Sedmock of W. Va.; sister Mary Maguire of W. Via.

She is predeceased by her husband Roy (April 30, 1993), daughter Mary Ann Myers, brothers Pete Sedmock, Louis J. Sedmock and Frank Sedmock and sister Dorothy Speshyock.

A memorial mass will be held at St. James The Less Church, 4651 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22. A reception will follow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Msgr. Berry Hall at the same address. Place of interment is Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside. Crippen Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to the University of Michigan MOTT Children’s Hospital, Gene Skidmore, 1000 Oakbrook Dr., Ste. 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

The family would like to thank all of her wonderful family and friends, especially her senior groups, for the support, phone calls and cards received during her illness and after her passing.