Betty Lou Calhan

Remembering the Life of Betty Wallen Calhan Born December 13th, 1926 – Bernice Oklahoma Betty began a long and eventful life as one of six children born to Stuvie and Mittie Ann Wallen in Bernice Oklahoma. She had wonderful stories to tell of growing up “on the farm” with her four brothers and sister. Gathering eggs, cleaning the oil lamps, saddling up ol’ Max to ride to school were just a few of her tales of “when I was young”. She met her future husband, Edward W. Calhan as a young woman enrolled at Oklahoma A & M. Edward and his brother Charles, were sent from San Francisco to study electrical engineering after enlisting in the navy. Edward and Betty were married on the family farm in Oklahoma before moving to San Francisco, Susanville, Burns Oregon, Cupertino and finally Carmichael where they lived in a beautiful house, they had built, for over 30 years. Along the way, two children, Edward Jr. and Elizabeth (Beth) were born. Edward Sr. died in 1999 and Betty continued to live in the same house for another 22 years. She was a master knitter who enjoyed the community of her knitting club. She had taught high school business classes for many years and enjoyed meeting with fellow retired staff. Her family was always a source of delight for her including her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. She approached old age with all its challenges with dignity, grace and courage. She was truly a role model and her family is grateful for her loving presence in their lives. The years teach much which the days never know. - Ralph Waldo Emerson