Elizabeth "Beth" Borton Sanger Lovett

Elizabeth “Beth” Borton Sanger Lovett died peacefully at the age of 91 in her home in Visalia, California on August 23rd, 2018. She had a dignified and calm strength throughout her long and caring life.

Born in Passaic, New Jersey in 1927 to Ernest and Esther Sanger, Beth grew up in Nutley, New Jersey. Her family, including her older brother Richard attended Montclair Friends Meeting (Quaker). She went to Albright College in New Jersey and became a teacher.

She met her husband, William (Bill) Lovett, when Bill brought print business to her father. They were married on June 19, 1955. Beth and Bill started a family, beginning with Bill’s daughter from his previous marriage, Nona Linea “Linn”, followed soon after by Caroline Jane, Sarah Elizabeth, Melissa Borton, Amy Lucas, and last but not least, their only son, Borton James Blackburn. When Borton was killed by a drunk driver in 1983 they became involved with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to prevent others from suffering a similar loss.

Beth was a teacher beginning with high school and elementary school in New Jersey and continuing teaching in California after the family moved out west in 1966. She worked as a pre-school teacher at Head Start in Goshen, California for many years and eventually became their director. Together she and Bill owned and operated Quaker Oaks Christmas Tree Farm for 25 years. Beth taught wreath making classes, filled and decorated The Christmas shed with teddy bears, trains, and a Nativity scene for children of all ages to enjoy.

A perpetual student, Beth studied many aspects of gardening including floral design at College of the Sequoias in Visalia and became a UC Master Gardener. She was a member of and thoroughly enjoyed the Sequoia Garden Club. Beth loved her garden and she continued to work on it until her passing. Year-round there were flowers to arrange every Sunday for Friends meeting. In addition to Christmas trees Beth and Bill grew a huge variety of fruits and nuts, including kiwi, persimmons, pomegranates, many varieties of citrus and walnuts. They also maintained a bountiful vegetable garden. Beth also enjoyed weaving, sewing and many hand crafts and was a member of the Hand Weavers of the Valley.

A lifelong Quaker, Beth and Bill were founding members of the Visalia Friends Meeting. Beth dedicated her life to living in accordance with the Quaker values of peace, equality, community, integrity and simplicity. She looked for the best in everyone and served as a mentor to youth and as a friend to many.

Beth and Bill founded Quaker Oaks Farm in 2007 as a public benefit corporation (501c3 nonprofit) which is dedicated to environmental and cultural education, small scale organic farming, and habitat restoration in the Valley. Their farm will remain a place of learning, growth and healing under the care of Quaker Oaks Farm and Visalia Friends.

Beth was recently described as a moderating counterbalance to her husband’s relentless advocacy for peace, equality and making the world a better place. She was exceedingly reserved, but she was not passive. Together they worked throughout their lives to leave this world a better place.

Beth was preceded in death by her son Borton and her husband of 63 years, Bill. She is survived by her daughters, Linn, Jane, Sarah, Melissa and Amy, 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Visalia Friends Meetinghouse, 17208 Ave. 296, Visalia on November 3rd, 2018 at 1:00 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Quaker Oaks Farm at www.quakeroaksfarm.org or mailed to 17216 Ave 296, Visalia, California 93292 or Kaweah Delta Hospice.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.