Betty Louise Lively

Betty Louise Lively, 87, born on July 19, 1926, in Long Beach, California, passed away December 11, 2013. Her kindness and generosity touched many lives and she will be greatly missed. She was not a religious person and was not affiliated with any denomination but she was most certainly a living embodiment of the "Golden Rule". She was the consummate homemaker and anyone who had the privilege of being invited into her home was made to feel honored and special. For those in need she would help. For those just needing someone to talk to she would listen. If a friend needed a ride somewhere or companionship during a difficult time, they were made to feel as if they were the most important person in her life. She was an amazing cook and was always willing to participate and help with any project or event in any way she was able from nailing shingles on a new roof, sewing clothes for her children, crocheting baby blankets, gardening, or providing those amazing pies for our Thanksgiving dinners. She was always busy, constantly on the move and was meticulous about taking good care of herself and her home. She was beautiful women who cared about her appearance and always dressed tastefully and stylishly. She laughed often, enjoyed a good joke and took her greatest pleasure from making others happy. From 1951 until the time of her passing, she lived in the home that she and her husband J.G. "Liv" Lively built together in Lakewood, California. At the time of her death she was surrounded by her family as she slipped quietly away to a place where there is no more pain or struggle or unanswered questions. If the "afterlife" is a place where one is rewarded for a life well-lived, we know that she is in now in a place with the infinite peace and comfort that she so richly deserves.

She is survived by her sisters, June Footdale and Kathi Eggers; brother-in-law, Jack Footdale; daughters, Susan Lively-Hansen and Malinda Lively-Arnold; sons-in-law, Paul Hansen and Steve Arnold; grandsons, Lars Hansen, Kjel Hansen and Miles Arnold; nephews, John Footdale, Larry Footdale (deceased), Dave Footdale, and Joe Footdale and nieces, Sherry Lynn Farris (deceased), Nancy Hubbs and Kathy Anne Robertson.

Her remains will be interred at the Forest Lawn Mausoleum in Long Beach in a crypt next to her beloved husband. In light of her disdain for overt displays of sentiment and "mushiness" as she called it, there will be no formal funeral. We will have a modest crypt-side service on Tuesday, December 17th at 2:00 PM prior to her interment. All who knew her are welcome to attend and anyone who wishes to say a few words should feel free to do so. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Long Beach, California.

Please refer to the "Services" tab on this website for the Mortuary location and map directions. A luncheon reception will be held at her home in Lakewood immediately after the service.