Betty Jean Busby

Bunny was born and lived most of her life in Merced. Born in 1927 to Johnny and Thelma Robinson, she had 2 siblings: Merilyn (who survives her) and Jack. As a child she spent many summers at the family cabin in Wawona (inside Yosemite) which left her with a lifelong love of the mountains. She loved music, playing the violin in her early years. Bunny graduated from Merced High in 1944, then continued her education at UC Berkeley where she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. She graduated from Berkeley in 1948. It was at the sorority that Bunny met her future husband, Ralph “Buz” Busby. After they married in 1948, they settled in Merced. Bunny and Buz raised their family at their South Bear Creek Drive home built in her grandfather’s orchard and only about a mile down the same street from where she grew up. She enjoyed golf and was a long-time member of the Merced Golf and Country Club. Bunny attended the Central Presbyterian Church most of her life. She enjoyed her crossword and jigsaw puzzles and was a great bridge player. She and Buz loved to throw parties; some of them entertaining over 50 people and including great costumes on Halloween and even bagpipes on one occasion. A great cook, her family was well fed. Every summer, the Busbys spent as much time as possible at the family cabin at Fish Camp (just outside the Park) where many friends shared the fun. Bunny served as chairman of the Merced City Parks and Recreation Commission, of the Castle Air Force Base Community Council, and was a member of the Merced Theatre Foundation. She and Buz loved to travel and were blessed with plenty of time to visit places around the world. They were married for 67 years.

Bunny is survived by her husband Buz, her children Linda (Mike) McCollum, Carol (Rick Davidson) Busby, Diane McMurry, Rob (Sheryl) Busby, 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, a sister and many nieces and nephews.

The memorial service will be Saturday November 7th, at 11:00 a.m. at the Central Presbyterian Church, 520 W. 20th Street, Merced.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bunny’s memory may be sent to Bristol Hospice (374 E. Yosemite Ave. Ste 200, Merced, 95340) or the Central Presbyterian Church.