Betty Archer Strand

1927 - 2014

Betty was born to Cecil and Mary Archer on November 16, 1927, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Being part of a military family, she experienced a lot of moves during her young years and became a very outgoing person.

She met and married Gilbert H. Strand on October 6, 1950, and had three daughters.

She was predeceased by her husband of over 57 years and by the first of her three daughters. Gilbert’s early death was painful for Betty, as he was her best friend and her constant companion. They moved to Redding in 1957, loved the area, and never left. Betty and Gil also loved to travel and frequently spent time along California’s North coast. Oh how they loved the ocean and the redwoods.

Betty was also known for her love of greeting cards. She lifted the hearts of many with her choice of cards and her loving words of encouragement. Never failing to remember birthdays and special celebrations, she would linger in the Hallmark Store for hours choosing just the right card for the person and the occasion. She also had a remarkable love for animals. Her dogs and cats were family. She fed many a neglected stray animal over the years.

Betty never learned to drive, by choice, so when her husband passed she relied heavily on her youngest daughter’s kind heart to get places. While she no longer traveled much, she made it to the hairdresser’s, never failing to keep her beautiful red hair red. She also learned to use taxi services and made friends with the many drivers. Betty was fortunate to have some great neighbors over the years and also a reliable and a kind handyman/landscaper whom she spoke of who helped her maintain her home after Gil passed.

Betty is survived by her daughters – MaryAnn and Beverly Strand of Redding; sister-in-law Fryni and nephews Alex and Eric Archer of Brussels, Belgium; niece Bonny Williams of Rancho Cordova; and many other nieces and nephews.

Betty will be greatly missed by her daughters and many others, especially her niece. While tears flow and our hearts are heavy today, the family finds comfort in knowing that Betty is with the Lord and those whom she loved who passed the surly bonds of earth so long ago. At her request, services will be private. The family gratefully asks that any remembrances, in lieu of flowers, are sent to Mercy Hospice, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, or an animal rescue group.